“What are genetically modified foods and are they safe?” ~ Sam
Great question! Genetically modified food is food that has had genes from other unrelated species- such as bacteria, fish or other animals artificially spliced into their genome. Many times these genes work to produce their own toxic pesticide proteins to ward off insect attacks. When eaten, these innate toxic proteins cause the gut of the insect to break down and perforate, leading to massive fatal infections (sepsis) within the abdominal cavity. These genes also often allow the plant to resist the copious application of herbicides, most commonly glyphosate or “Roundup.” On average GM plants are exposed to 26% more pesticides than conventional produce.
Genetically modified food has been linked to a variety of cancers and tumors, including two recent well-publicized third-party studies. The first study, which was completed in France showed that rats fed GM corn for longer than the ninety-day test period developed large tumors (particularly of the mammary glands), liver and kidney failure at an alarming rate. The video, although graphic at times (perhaps just listen instead of watching if you are sensitive) provides this study’s compelling evidence on the serious potential long term health effects of eating these foods. The study was the first to publish the long term effects of GMOs, as most of the dangerous findings arose after the industry standard eight-week study period.
The second study found that pigs eating GM corn and soy had on average 25% heavier uterine weight and were 2.6 times more likely to have severe stomach inflammation than pigs not fed these genetically altered foods. These pigs; both female and male- were also found to have reduced fertility rates. This should be of great concern considering a staggering one out of seven couples and rising are struggling with infertility.
Interestingly enough, GM foods have also been linked to the recent spike in food allergies and autoimmune diseases such as Crohn’s disease. In fact, in 1997 severe peanut allergies in children skyrocketed 200% over five years after the inclusion of GM soy (also a legume) in the mass processed food market. A variety of studies have found that GM corn increases a variety of antibodies and the inflammatory response in the body, possibly setting up sensitive individuals to develop serious allergies and inflammatory autoimmune diseases. This inflammatory effect may also explain why eating GM corn has been linked to obesity.
Given these effects, it isn’t a stretch to consider the possibility that the GM proteins designed to break down the digestive tracts of insects are having a similar effect on humans, but on a much smaller, more insidious scale causing severe leaky gut syndrome. These toxic proteins may be causing tiny breakdowns and inflammation in the gut wall, exposing undigested proteins to the immune system and triggering an allergic, autoimmune or inflammatory response.
Since these crops are not naturally occurring and are designed to have fatal effects on insects it is no surprise that they are quite possibly very harmful to the environment. Killing insects, especially bees would be disastrous as we rely on them to pollinate our crops. Without bees, crop production would cease and we would all starve to death. Furthermore these crops can contaminate other fields, aggressively take over natural plants, killing them off so only the GM crops remain.
People sometimes mistakenly say that humans have been genetically modifying crops and animals for centuries, but this isn’t true at all. We have been using selective cross-breeding/pollination in attempts to naturally develop the traits we desire to achieve, but this is radically different from modern genetic modification. Selective cross breeding is choosing two pigs to breed in hopes that the resulting piglets will have the specific qualities of their parents. Genetic modification is artificially splicing foreign genes into a completely unrelated organism’s genetic code, trying to force unnatural traits and potentially causing a litany of unforeseen problems and new proteins/toxins. These are two completely different concepts with extraordinarily different possible consequences.
In my opinion we just don’t know enough about the long term effects on human health and animal health or the impact on environment to certify these foods as safe. For these reasons I do not recommend eating GM foods. We literally are participating in a silent mass science experiment against our will. This is why mandatory GMO labeling is so important. We have the right to know what we are eating. Instead choose certified organic, non GMO food for your family. I would also recommend downloading the Non GMO Project’s Non-GMO Shopping Guide for more free tips on avoiding GM foods.
Do you avoid GM foods? Why or why not? Please let me know in the comments below and on Facebook!
Love what you are reading? Stay in the loop and never miss a recipe; subscribe to our FREE Nutritionista ezine for free expert tips, success strategies and delicious healthy recipes and receive Erin’s exclusive list of the Top Ten Foods to Banish From Your Kitchen ($24.99 value) absolutely free! Get ready to nourish yourself sexy!
© 2013 Nutritionista. Erin Luyendyk, RHN. All rights reserved.
All material found on www.thenutritionista.ca is intended as general educational material only and should not be considered medical or nutritional advice. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any medical condition and has not been evaluated by the FDA. Please consult with your personal physician before implementing any health, nutrition, supplement or exercise program to ensure its safety and suitability for your specific individual situation
