Genetically modified organisms, which are termed as GMOs, are produced when a gene from one species is shifted to another, creating something strange that is not seen in nature. A massive percentage of domestic crops (up to 85% of soybean) have DNA that was modified in a laboratory, yet it is very impossible to predict which food items contain the genetically engineered ingredients. GMOs are harmful for your health, community, farmers and environment. Here’s why:
“The health consequences of eating genetically modified organisms are largely unknown.”
Genetically engineered foods have not been proven to be safe to have and they may lead to unpredictable and unwanted consequences. When trans-fats were introduced, corporations fought to get them onto your grocery things and it is only after decade this food has been proven to be unhealthier. Many researchers are worried that the genetically engineer foods, once consumed, may pass their mutant genes to bacterium in the digestive system. How this new strains of bacteria may influence our body systems’ balance is not known. However these foods have many side effects including many allergies, problems in reproduction system etc.
“Food items that contain GMOs are unlabeled in America”
The Parts of Europe, Australia, Japan and some other countries have banned GMO’s, because they recognized that insufficient long term researches and testing may be concealing disastrous health defects.
“Genetic engineering reduces genetic diversity”.
When genes are very different, they are more vigorous. Plants with lower genetic diversity cannot able to handle drought, fungus invasions or insects when compared to natural plants, which could have terrible results for farmers and communities dependent on GMOs crops for survival.
“Once the mutant genes are out of the bag, there is no going back”
Genetically modified organisms pollute existing seeds with their changed material, passing on modified characteristics to non-target species. This develops a new strain of plant that was never planned or meant in the laboratory. In North Dakota, recent researches show that 80 percent of wild canola plants examined contained at least one transgenic feature. In Japan, modified bacteria developed a new amino acid which was not found anywhere in nature. It was used in protein drinks that caused severe mental and metabolic damage to many people. Therefore, Japan banned GMOs.
“GMOs are not the answer for global food security”
Genetically modified crops have proven no increase in production and no education in pesticide use. Mostly other farm technologies have proven much more successful and even “Monsanto” acknowledge that its genetically engineered crops yield less than ordinary farming.
“GMOs require massive amounts of pesticides, herbicides and fungicides”
These things are harmful, and should not be consumed or allowed to include into our water supply. But everything has been shifting to commercial thinking rather than a care for people.
“Genetically engineered foods have not been proven to be safe, but the few studies conducted they are strange”
The body parts of rats that ate genetically modified potatoes showed signal of chronic wasting, and female rates had a diet of herbicide-resistant corn gave birth to impeded and infertile pups.
“Big biotech firms have very sketchy track records”
These huge biotech institutions have a history of toxic contamination, misleading the public and charging small farmers when their patented seeds blew across the fence. Biotech firms sell infertile seeds to farmers which the seeds are only useful for one season. Because the plants that grow would not be able to reproduce. So that farmers have to buy new seeds every year instead of using the previous year’s yield.
In a nutshell, genetically modified organisms have not been shown in any way to be safe, and most of the researches are actually inclining to the other direction, which is why many of the countries have banned these things whose DNA has been genetically modified. But in many other places, it’s still not banned. So it’s your responsibility to check before you buy.
Thanks for your informative post. Considering the growth of world population, genetic techniques may be indispensable for providing the population with enough food, but safety must always be considered as a priority.
Hi,
I agree it's safety first, then team work. I believe that growing in permaculture style setups is going to be one of the best ways to provide food security. It is truly amazing what people can do with these principals and techniques. If cities were designed using permaculture principles we would have an abundantly healthy world because people would have access to better quality fresh food and it would take fewer resources to get it to them.
Blessings, Safiyah
Thanks a lot! I think they'll never be banned at my or any over country.
Besides, I was thinking it might be a good thing to decrease the future population. Maybe good, maybe not. Unfortunately, we don't know the truth.
It's good to see a post here that deserves to be on the trending page.
Excellent work.
It blows my mind that GMO and irradiated food does not have to be labeled in North America. Corporate interests in mind I am sure!
Bullshit. Unscientific. Stupid. "GMOs require massive amounts of pesticides, herbicides and fungicides" - quite the contrary! The so-called "natural" ones require these. Not a single link to any scientific research. Just a lie
Here is a study showing Glyphosate (which is sprayed on to roundup ready crops) causes gluten intolerances and it is also a carcinogen, just look at the chemical suits the guys spraying the stuff have to wear... https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3945755/
Do your research instead of name calling. Facts are facts, and calling names does not change them. If you want the links, it is now easier than ever for you to get on your own computer, the one on which you are reading this now, and look these things up yourself. You might also look up the ad hominem fallacy, and fallacies in general.
My links show clearly that GMO is harmless
Oh, well then let's ll just go home, problem solved. Your links just saved the day!
Look again.
Glyphosphate is the common pesticide injected into the GMO seed to make it resistant pests. The water that the crops are grown with is treated with this chemical too. No only are we tampering with nature when we alter the genetic structure of any organism, we are consuming the 'frankenstein' creation. I agree conventional crop growing also uses an abundance of pesticides too. It's better to buy organic and locally grown fruit and veg that have been grown using heirloom seeds. Or better still, grow your own. Its' possible, even if you have an apartment. Balconies and window sills are great for growing just about anything. :-) Try the book Permaculture in Pots, Juliet Kemp.
This technique has indeed both pros and cons. One side, it helps to grow the fruit very fast and healthy but on the other side, there are major health consequences of eating a stuff like that. First of all, the natural quality of fruit has been lost after using genetically enhanced chemical.Secondly this chemical interacts with various enzymes in human stomach which is not able to digest it properly. So, I am pretty sure these GMO's are not that good as it seems to be.
Thanks for the post @dommaraju
I think we should find our food sources somewhere else as well, to help the problem of overpopulation. For example insects. Western people are usually disgusted by the idea of eating them while in some countries in Asia and Africa it is eaten for a delicatessy. I have tried grasshoppers myself and believe me, they taste pretty great (I actually wrote an article about this hehe). I hope more people will try it out!
Awesome!! I really want to try insects. I was getting some things to try to start raising crickets but got busy with other things. I think it really is so important to consider the greater ecosystem in our actions and choices.
You do have to consider the foods that are GMO's that are never labeled. So there is a good chance that just because its banned doesn't mean its not in our current food supply. Just because its labeled organic doesn't mean its organic. Also the idea behind GMO in our food was for human consumption solely.
GMO is legit. Would love to be able to buy GMO corn in germany.
Are you serious? How would you love to see your daughter start her periods at 6 years and your son grow beard and start having wet dreams at 5?
fkay21 sounds like a troll to me. If not, then people of the like should be given the opportunity to learn, and if they reject it, let them eat GMO poison to their hearts desire. The problem will fix itself as long as the intelligent and responsible are able to have the information to make wise decisions, labeling, for instance.
Interesting info about a scary topic. Thanks!
you can say that again @rainbowcake
this is really scary and those companies into GMO are heartless and after profit than human safety...
Nice comment though
Great share thanks to inform about very important health news.
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Hi dommaraju, i like the subject matter,GMO but where i am a bit afraid is when is difficult to ascertain the fruits GMO considering its feasible health implications according to research.Although from your write up,some level of test,signs and assumption can be evidenced.thanks for sharing wealth of experience and look forward to seeing more.you have my follow and vote.
Here is a veteran of academia, and military study of biological threats against humanity.
https://blog.bulletproof.com/don-huber-318/
@dommaraju the future of food seems scary. Thats why i wouldn't be suprised that a lot of people are getting sick these days , chemicals are being induced into food without knowing the longterm side effects. I hope they would stop these
i preffer old times
Interesting post, thank you for sharing this :)
More or less we are eating poison without knowing that's the sad part but good that many country regulate the food
Our country still not banned this food ... so many people eat this . need to know
about how much bad ......
Nice story, thx for sharing
Anything that is "modified" is a bit sketchy. And scary to say the least.
Dang, look at that buff chicken.
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Interesting and scary at the same time. There are so many consumables out there that are horrible for us. Yet, the gov't allows these products to be shelved in our grocery stores.
Because $.
I can understand GNO meats. They are bigger and grow faster, But GNO crops are ridiculous. The seeds are not replant-able, pest really love them and they don't bear as much as the regular plant. I have a Papaw tree that bears fruit all year round. It just keeps getting taller and keeps blossoming and bearing. I don't even water it and I don't use insecticide and fertilizer. I also have a mango tree that bears twice a year and it bears thousands of fruits each year.
If you really want to feed the planet, go plant fruit trees. In Jamaica alone we have hectors of empty land with nothing on it but bush and wood trees. The world don't just have a food problem. We have a mismanagement of our resources problem.
I will use any and all means of self defense against those who would try to feed me GMOs without my consent. Long term studies are necessary. I want 50 year studies before I even consider thinking about poisoning the food supply for the profit of a few.
Such an interesting (and needed) topic. And yet, very controversial. Of which everyone has an opinion.
When I talk to people from the farming industry - they argue that GMOs are needed to continue the food supply / food distribution.
Others argue that eating organic is not economically feasible for them.
Healthwise, how much inflammation have we introduced into our diets because of GMO products?
The amount of autoimmune diseases has risen.
Many people have leaky gut and don't even know it.
In fact, one of the things that I usually tell people if they complain of pain - is that they really have to clean up their diet. avoiding gluten (wheat), dairy (hormones, etc), sugar (which is often GMO as well). Corn is often GMO as well.
And yet, I yearn for fresh corn during the summers (especially barbecued). Which is most likely GMO.
I wonder what would happen if we were able to label GMOs in our foods?
Thanks for bringing a controversial topic to the discussion table. We really do need to continue discussing this, although I don't know if there really is a "simple answer".
There is a simple answer. Ban all GMOs from the food supply and jail anyone who is trying to poison us with this garbage. Opinions are irrelevant in this matter, only facts and individual rights matter.
It's scary that it's almost impossible to tell which foods contain GMOs now. I really feel changes are needed regarding the labelling of our food. Great read though, very interesting. Thanks.
Yup agree. We are eating genetically modified eggs, chicken & milk (From jersey cows). Adulterated foods. Humans destroying everything for money including himself
Specific humans destroying everything for money, not all. Humans as a species are not suicidal, but there are a small percentage of psychopaths among us.
This is so scary to see how food has changed over the decades because of GMO's. I feel like it is getting harder and harder to know if the produce I'm buying is truly safe because of the inconsistent labeling. Thank you for the information. I appreciate getting better informed
If it makes money, it makes sense! As the people still demand poor quality food, businesses profit from it so they will continue doing it! Nice article. Feel free to check our article based on why we should consume organic food in our account ;)
I agree that GMOs should without doubt be labeled as such for the consumer to recognize such products and to be able to make an informed decision. I also agree that GMOs should be vigorously tested for safety and the aggressive market dominance by Monsanto is seriously harming traditional agriculture
However, demonizing genetic engineering of crop plants as a whole without providing any credible sources is undifferentiated scaremongering.
Whereas Japan has a more restrictive approach to GMOs than the U.S., it has certainly not banned them from consumption and planting entirely.
http://www.foodsafetymagazine.com/magazine-archive1/junejuly2016/international-regulations-on-genetically-modified-organisms-us-europe-china-and-japan/
https://www.loc.gov/law/help/restrictions-on-gmos/japan.php
What most people do not seem to understand about genetic engineering is that humans have done it since millenia. Breeding of plants to obtain the desired qualities
(resistance to drought, larger fruits, tolerance of suboptimal soil composition) has until recently been a random and tedious process (just like it's random with a 50% chance of parents having a boy or girl). Genetic engineering renders this process precise and directed, speeding up the rather slow evolutional process used by traditional breeding techniques. Of course, the tools to manipulate the genome of organisms are so powerful that any new GMO product should carefully be considered and tested in closed and isolated systems to recognize any undesired side effect on the environemnt, other plants and animals/humans.
This is a social media website and not a scientific journal. Here is a veteran of long term study of biological threats against humanity, maybe he can convince you. The entire internet is at your disposal, prove it to yourself. No one bears responsibility for convincing anyone else.
https://blog.bulletproof.com/don-huber-318/
This is true. To publish your often poorly compensated and year-long, painstaking research in a scientific journal of any decent reputation you need to pay money and pass the scrutiny of 2-4 peer reviewers.
It doesn't cost you anything to publish an article on this social media website except for the time you spent on writing and researching it, but you can potentially earn (lots of) money! This why it is especially important that these articles are carefully curated by the community. If the content appears to have little credibility, then it is the duty of the community to address this. Misinformation on social media is as bad as is censorship, in my opinion. I'd prefer to not have either of them.
Your answer is generic, since nowadays you can just give "the internet" as a source for everything, even for almost any hogwash you can come up with because most certainly someone expressed his or her thoughts just because they can on the internet.
Thanks you for the link though, I will read into it.
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https://steemit.com/life/@steemtobefree/one-hell-of-a-way-to-grow-the-best-food-our-trip-to-the-aquaponic-ouroboros-farms-in-half-moon-bay-california
What baffles me in this info packed post of yours is...GMO seeds are only useful for one season, because the plants that grow would not be able to reproduce. This shows that this GMO products are unsustainable...
thanks for sharing
I don't know how to feel about this post.. I agree with some parts, such as there being no hard data as to the effects of GMO foods. But you can't say that and then turn around and talk about all the scientific tests that prove GMO's are bad.
Still upvoted though, GMO's will be a huge part of agriculture's future.
There is hard evidence that GMOs are dangerous, this is not even to mention the targeted pesticides that are used in GMO agriculture. We must not demand to be hand held to the knowledge we need to survive and be healthy. Personal responsibility is the road to individual liberties, including our health.
I agree that pesticide usage is wrong. I also don't eat GMO's myself. I work in the health industry and try to maintain as organic a diet as possible. I recently had a dental operation and the antibiotics have wrecked havoc on my insides. Which is the exact same feeling I get when I eat out... There is no doubt in my mind that manufactured, high sugar and fat foods do us harm.
However
The author put's it perfectly himself.
It sits in the same category as microwaving food. I think we should look to tackle the big killers like high fructose corn syrup and then look to improve fruit and veg quality.
It's important that people know the effects as well as the unknown risks. Which is why I upvoted the post :)
Everyone should eat clean, unprocessed foods. We know this. If they can be mainly organic even better. Health is a spectrum and people feel comfortable at different levels of it. Once 90% of us get to that level of wellness, there will be no market for GMO's
Thanks for your thoughts, all the best harrynewman
There is some proof positive that GMOs are dangerous and doing us harm. There is a Bt corn study that demonstrated that there is genetic transfer from the Bt corn to human intestinal flora that turns the gut bacteria into pesticide factories. I will need to look up the reference, this was years ago.
Glyphosate is an herbicide used on all Round up ready GMOs, and used for harvest of many non-GMOs. It was originally patented and sold as a chelator for cleaning boilers. Then it was re-patented as a broad spectrum antibiotic. This may be the issue you have with eating out. Finally it has been re-patented as a herbicide which is used on a huge number of our food crops. It's presence in the gut destroys large amounts of beneficial bacteria that we need to make proper use of our food.
The 'unknown' aspect of the health impacts of GMOs is deliberate, and comes about from patent protection. The studies are simply not legally allowed.
I will put together a post detailing much of this so that only five people will read it. Much of this I have already detailed in a few posts about glyphosate.
Thank you for your comments.
It looks like you know of some credible sources... Followed to learn more.
I have no love for GMO's but when other aspects of a healthy diet are so... Lacking in people lives. GMO's surely couldn't cause the same harm that sugar and high fat foods are known to cause. Obesity and heart disease kill so many people every year. We need to put down the chocolate and frenchfries, before we ask if they are GMO.
The main sources of fat to be aware of are usually damaged (oxidized) vegetable fats, and grain fed animal fats, which are also riddled with other contaminants. The main focus is for a healthily raised source of fat that is used in a healthy omega-6 to omega-3 ratio, which also varies from person to person. Usually I find a 1:1 to a 4:1 ratio as healthy. I've seen as low as 0.7:1 listed as the diet of hunter gatherers all the way to the standard American diet listed at 40:1. Too many omega-6s causes increased inflammation. Chronic inflammation is at the root of everything from Alzheimer’s, to cancer, diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. Autoimmune disorders are also aggravated by excess inflammation.
There are so many problems with sugar it's hard to know where to start. It's probably best to say just avoid it. I get all the sugar I need from the vegetable carbohydrates that I eat, sweet potatoes and the like.
The main issue with GMOs, other than the heavy pesticide use, that I see is they are a long term unknown. We don't know what they will do over the course of fifty years of steady consumption. We have no proof that it will cause long term harm, but since when is that a good enough reason to eat something that is unknown in the natural world without testing it? The precautionary principle is a wise thing to apply when dealing with our food.
I have competed in menss physique competitions. The last 3 weeks before I got on stage my 6 to 3 ratio was 0.8:1... I felt amazing.
However I think it's worth noting that if we want to improve societies health, we need to start with the big picture. Change the way people look at food and physical activity. Inform them of the known dangerous foods (sugars and animal fats) and encourage improvement there, before turning to unknown risks.
But I definitely agree, the unknown is scary and people should know any and all the risks. We don't want to repeat the transfat/high fructose corn syrup debacle.
You and I know the dangers of GMO's, and it sounds to me like you partake in a healthy, balanced diet. We aren't the ones who need to be informed about healthy eating.
I suppose the fastest way I could put it, would be that I would recommend GMO veg and fruit over a high fat and sugar diet...
If you are eating GMO fruit and veg and would like a more well known, safer option, I'd recommend swapping to organic and so on. I just felt this post was scaring people when there are just as many confirmed deadly foods in their fridges, cupboards and drive throughs.
I appreciate your comments and insight. It's good to get another point of view.
Thanks for your informative post. @nayramix
Nice article. Lovely and educative
2 questions
where are the links to your research?
how is a lack of evidence proving safety the same as evidence to support negative health effects?
This article seems like a lot of unsupportesd fear mongering to me, but hey hating on GMOs is sexy at the moment so I cant blame you. The truth is there is no well vetted scientific research showing negative health consequences from consuming this food exists. There is quite a lack of good research surrounding this topic.
My research
http://www.globalmagazine.info/sites/default/files/PDF/pusztai-gm-foods-risk-human-animal-health-2001.pdf
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0278691511006399
Corporations Own our Food Supply !
Capitalism and Health Care Don't Mix !
I definitely agree. Health is very important.
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