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GM Food Crops
To understand the pros and cons of GM Foods in the
Marketplace; let us first begin by describing what GM Foods are and why they were engineered. GM food development started with the best of intentions.
The original crops to have altered genetic profiles were soy and corn. The farmers wanted to alter the genetic makeup of the crops so that they could benefit by making the plant resistant to soil organisms and pests.
This would allow the farmer to use fewer pesticides on the crops and enjoy a more bountiful harvest by enabling the plants to resist not only pests but also resist damage from soil organisms like nematodes and worms.
In addition to the overall abundance derived from altering the genetic profiles - the crops could also be engineered to resist drought. The result of these new super crops was an ability to grow food for the masses in deprived regions of the world. Not a bad goal to have.
The original crops to have altered genetic profiles were soy and corn. The farmers wanted to alter the genetic makeup of the crops so that they could benefit by making the plant resistant to soil organisms and pests.
This would allow the farmer to use fewer pesticides on the crops and enjoy a more bountiful harvest by enabling the plants to resist not only pests but also resist damage from soil organisms like nematodes and worms.
In addition to the overall abundance derived from altering the genetic profiles - the crops could also be engineered to resist drought. The result of these new super crops was an ability to grow food for the masses in deprived regions of the world. Not a bad goal to have.
However, here is the other side of the story. Do you remember when everyone was clamoring to
support the widespread use of antibacterial products? These products were
everywhere. Suddenly, everything was "anti-bacterial".
Then, we started hearing from the experts...
"Consumer Alert: Don't overuse antibacterial products." It turns out we were (and are) contributing the advent of resistant superbugs.
Keeping that theory in mind, we can apply that scenario to the GM crop controversy. By altering the genetic makeup of the crops, we are essentially creating superbugs and super pests to invade and attack other crops.
Then, we started hearing from the experts...
"Consumer Alert: Don't overuse antibacterial products." It turns out we were (and are) contributing the advent of resistant superbugs.
Keeping that theory in mind, we can apply that scenario to the GM crop controversy. By altering the genetic makeup of the crops, we are essentially creating superbugs and super pests to invade and attack other crops.
Adding to the mix, we have to consider that the altered genetic
profile of plants makes the resulting GM food we are consuming alien to our
bodies.
The mechanically engineered GM product that ends up on our shelves and in our refrigerators is vastly different from the original crop that nature created. The theory is - when we consume these products we may be risking our long-term health.
We have yet to determine what, if any, side effects or disease risk may be associated with ingestion of GM crops. In essence, we have taken nature into our own hands and tried to improve upon it.
History has shown us that altering what nature has already perfected can be detrimental over the long haul.
The mechanically engineered GM product that ends up on our shelves and in our refrigerators is vastly different from the original crop that nature created. The theory is - when we consume these products we may be risking our long-term health.
We have yet to determine what, if any, side effects or disease risk may be associated with ingestion of GM crops. In essence, we have taken nature into our own hands and tried to improve upon it.
History has shown us that altering what nature has already perfected can be detrimental over the long haul.
If we are creating superbugs and super pests, and harming
our bodies with these genetically modified foods, then it would seem the smart
choice would be to abandon the idea of altering nature’s gifts all together.
Why I do feel the original idea and purpose was commendable, the GM Food process deserves further investigation at the very least. For now, I would suggest we avoid all GM Foods until there are more intensive, long-term research studies available to the public.
Why I do feel the original idea and purpose was commendable, the GM Food process deserves further investigation at the very least. For now, I would suggest we avoid all GM Foods until there are more intensive, long-term research studies available to the public.
Even further “Frankenfood” may be on the horizon – GM Fish. We need to take a stand and avoid
participation and support by making better food choices in the
marketplace.
If we do not support the GM manufacturers’ with our pocketbook – then the only choice left them would be to succumb to consumer demand of natural products.
If we do not support the GM manufacturers’ with our pocketbook – then the only choice left them would be to succumb to consumer demand of natural products.
The "True Food Network" is helping consumers navigate the field of GM Crops in the marketplace.
You can find their site here: True Food Network
You can find their site here: True Food Network
They also have an app for that! ~ And certainly you can avoid
GM Crops by purchasing only organic produce.
By TR Hughes, © 2011 GuideToLifeForWomen.com.
All rights reserved worldwide.
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