One of the most highly debated and discussed topics in the media right now is the production and consumption of GMO foods. Growing in popularity, non-GMO products are filling the shelves at specialty health food stores and major grocery chains alike. Also in the media are the growing number of state and country wide petitions to ban GMO products altogether. But why? What are GMO products and what makes them so bad?
GMO, short for Genetically Modified Organisms, are plants or any food product that have been modified genetically. This means that plants do not grow exactly as they have for thousands of years and are altered to grow in a specific manner. Often times these foods are modified genetically to produce a product that is larger, symmetric and uniform. But farmers have been cross breeding plants for centuries to improve their crops, right? Yes, but the difference now lies in the fact that plants are now being injected with genes from animals, viruses and bacterium which, in turn, changes the plants DNA indefinitely.
Now you may ask yourself, “So what are the health implications of these types of modifications?” While more research still needs to be done, many scientists have some very strong beliefs as to the possible negative effects of consuming GMO products. Some scientists have speculated that consumption of these foods can lead to the body’s resistance to antibiotics making it more difficult to fight disease. Others believe that many allergic reactions are the result of GMO products. Unfortunately, the problems don’t stop there as organic farmers are concerned that eventually cross pollination will corrupt their organic crops pollen from nearby GMO crops.
For now, avoiding GMO products is fairly easy. Simply by carefully reading labels before purchasing products and shopping for organic foods you can avoid the negative effects of these foods. In addition by purchasing organic products you are supporting organic farmers and their livelihoods. Or to take a stand against GMO products you can visit any number of Non-GMO websites.
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