The Truth Behind Genetically
Modified Fruits and Vegetables
Genetically modified
foods, or GM foods, are any kind of food that has purposely had specific
changes made to its DNA. These changes have been made by humans and are not
brought about by natural mutations over time.
Organisms, including
the fruits and vegetables that we eat everyday, change over time, naturally,
through mutations caused by new chemicals, radiation, and other factors
introduced to their environments. Typically, these natural changes are
beneficial to the organism and make them more likely to survive and thrive in
their environment.
GM foods, however,
have been forced to change, unnaturally, by factors introduced to them through
human interaction. With GM foods, certain genes in the organisms make-up are
purposely removed or introduced to the organism's DNA. This is certainly not
natural selection, and it is most certainly a questionable practice.
The theory and
reasoning behind GM foods is such: If humans can manipulate nature, and produce
foods that are "better" for us, then the end result will surpass the
questionable means and we (humans) can benefit from these "better"
foods.
The major problem is,
these foods are not better for us. In fact, many studies have shown that GM
foods are less nutritious and can actually be harmful to humans and other
animals. Lab rats, fed GM foods, were shown to develop lesions in their
stomachs and other intestinal problems. GM foods have also been shown to cause
liver, kidney, and heart damage in mammals.
In addition to the
physical side effects caused by GM foods, the fruits and vegetables themselves
lack the nutrients you find in naturally grown foods. Some of these include
calcium, iron, phosphorus, and vitamin C. Studies have shown a steady decrease
in these nutrients, along with many others, over the last 2 decades. What is
the point of eating fruits and vegetables if you're not getting any of the
nutrients normally derived from these plants?!
Now, I understand that
test results can be skewed, there can by ulterior motives by scientists, people
see the results they want to see, and so on, but here's a good question: When
is the last time you heard of natural, organic foods causing issues like this
in humans and other animals? How about never?
I also understand the
argument that GM foods grow quicker, are hardier, produce more crop, and can be
controlled more easily by humans. The draw to this is that more people can be
fed, quicker, and world hunger can be dealt with more efficiently. However,
these foods being produced are not healthy. We are feeding 3rd World Country
populations with foods that have terrible long-term effects. A full belly today
can result in health issues down the line--shortly down the line.
Yes, having foods that
grower faster, produce a larger yield, and can be grown less expensively (less
fertilizer, water, pesticides, etc.) is a tempting thought, but there are
better, healthier ways to produce good foods. It may take longer, it may
involve more money and energy in the beginning, but we owe it to ourselves and
our fellow humans to find means to produce good, healthy foods. There is no
benefit in producing faster, larger crops of fruits and vegetables if the
produce has half the nutritional value and can cause unhealthy side effects.
I am a huge proponent
of growing your own fruits and vegetables at home. I completely understand
though that not all of us are fortunate enough to have the time, space, or
energy to do this. If you're not able to grow your own foods, please, I beg
you, buy organic when you go to the grocery store. It may be a little more
expensive, but the extra money you are spending is paying for all the vitamins
and minerals that you would be missing-out on if you buy GM foods.
Take the time to do
some research and read-up on genetically modified foods, including livestock,
not just produce. Make it a well-rounded study--don't just look at facts that
support one side. An intelligent debater knows and understands both sides of an
argument. I encourage you to educate yourself on the subject. I think you'll
find, if you do, that it will be apparent to you that GM foods are NOT the way
to go!
My number one focus is
growing my own food. I don't think that really counts as a hobby. For some
people it is, but for me, growing my own fruits and vegetables and saving my
own seed is the key to survival. The only person you can count on is yourself,
if you ask me. The government is trying to "help" us all with GMOs
and welfare, but it's all a crock. We need to know how to survive on our own.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Jerry_Greenfield/523054
