How Gmo's Affect Our Lives

OMG! How GMO’s Affect Our Lives
For the past few decades, genetically modified organisms (GMOs) have substituted our diet with genetically transformed foods, which have negatively affected human health as well as the surrounding local communities. Being unaffected by pesticides, genetically modified organisms are produced by the merging genes of different species that are joined through genetic engineering, something that would be intolerable to Mother Nature herself (The Non-GMO Project). Eating these genetically altered as well processed foods can lead to increased risk of diseases and even cancer (Genetically Modified Food). Most of the time we do not even realize that we are eating these deadly poisons as they are instilled in our food
without our knowledge (Label GMOs). The agriculturalists that preserve the old-fashioned agricultural practices and decide to grow organic produce over crops that are genetically engineered are regularly trying to keep their businesses open because of the struggles that genetically modified foods have caused. Larger corporations, nevertheless, who prefer to use genetically modified seeds, make greater profits in a lesser period of time and with much more minimal effort involved. Deciding to buy local organic produce over crops that contain genetically modified organisms help you stay healthy and fit. Additionally buying organic helps keep our local farmers in business so that they may continue to cultivate their crops the way Mother Nature intended them to be.
For example, lets take the Bay Area (like San Francisco), is very blessed to have contact with all kinds of organic fruits and vegetables that are grown right in our own backyard. There are numerous farms in California that can grow just about anything and everything due to the perfect fertile soil and ideal weather conditions. We, Californians, are fortunate to live in an area well known for cultivating a variety of crops. However, companies and their genetically modified organisms are beginning to take over. Sadly, some of them already have. In the United States there are nine popular crops that are now commercialized and retailed to buyers. These involve soy, in which 89 percent of the total soy crop is genetically modified, cotton (83 percent), canola (75 percent), corn (60 percent), Hawaiian papaya (more than 50 percent), alfalfa, zucchini, and yellow squash. Even some tobacco has been genetically modified (Smith, “Genetic Roulette” 258). Since corn can be controlled and inserted into virtually any food product, the thought of genetically modified corn is even more frightening. Surprisingly not, the United States is the only other country besides Canada that does not require or make it mandatory for genetically modified organisms to be labeled on the packaging (Label GMOs). This means that we are consuming even more genetically modified organisms than we even realize. “Some foods that we consume on a day-to-day basis that have genetically modified ingredients are dairy products food additives such as enzymes and flavorings, meat, eggs, honey, and pollen in the air hold traces of genetically modified materials” (Smith, “Genetic Roulette” 258). The cruel reality is that even if we are aware about what we eat and make an effort to try to stay away from processed foods, its still difficult. It’s mind-blowing to discover that even the air we breathe most likely has genetically modified organisms.
Now that I have presented and gone over genetically modified organisms, I want to clarify the health risks associated with these kinds of foods.
Although genetically modified organisms were only introduced around 1996, the consequences since then can already be seen. There have been increased allergic reactions, antibiotic resistant bacteria and other toxic hazards. While these side effects of genetically modified organisms may seem insignificant but the long-term effects can be far more severe. Due to increased genetically modified organisms consumption, more and more youngsters are developing life-threatening allergies. Already about 37 people have died due to the side effects of genetically modified organisms, 1,500 partly paralyzed and 5,000 were momentarily handicapped by the chemicals used in harvesting GMOs (Smith, “Genetic Roulette” 258). These statistics do not include the number of children that have been born with birth defects linked with the chemical, glyphosate. Glyphosate is a chemical that is know to cause infertility, stillbirths, miscarriages and cancers. Scientists established that glyphosate can cause deformities comparable to human birth defects discovered in genetically modified soy-producing areas. In particular, the researchers found malformations of the head and the facial structure. Basically, genetically modified organisms might cause babies to be born looking like Cyclops (with one eye). Seeing that genetically modified organisms have only been believed to be “safe” for human consumption for a little over 15 years and there have been no long-term studies performed on actual people. However, the research done with animals’ fetuses represents the development of human babies. With continued exposure to genetically modified organisms, the numbers regarding the side effects is only to continue on a rise. As we continue to eat genetically modified organisms, we consider less the effects they can have on our bodies and reproduction of upcoming
generations.
While results may be only beginning to surface amongst humans, examinations on animals have been going on for a longer amount of time. Animals and labs are nothing new because its easier to disregard the life. As a result, animals have been suffering because of the health problems brought on by genetically modified organisms. Jeffrey M. Smith is a groundbreaker that supports healthier non-genetically modified organisms, food alternatives. In his book, Genetic Roulette, he writes about the several side effects that were exposed through animal testing due to genetically modified organisms.
To start off, lab animals examined with genetically modified foods had restricted growth. With all that then came the weakened immune systems, bleeding stomachs, abnormal and potentially cancerous cell growth in the intestines, impaired blood cell development, misshapen cell structures in the liver, pancreas, and testicles, transformed gene expression and cell metabolism, liver and kidney lesions, partially atrophied livers, inflamed kidneys, less developed brains and testicles, enlarged livers, pancreases, and intestines reduced digestive enzymes, higher blood sugar, inflamed lung tissue, boosted death rates and higher offspring mortality. (Smith, “Genetic Roulette” 5)
Bearing in mind the results that genetically modified organisms has on animals, this comes to show how consuming these modifications can lead to severe health problems. The animal being tested concluded that the lifetime is reduced and their offspring have a lesser chance of survival. This is a sign as to how humans will be affected after long-term contact to genetically modified organisms. I sure would not want to eat something that could damage my bodily organs. It not only threatens my life but also the lives of my future children.
As alarming as the statistics about animals are, even more so is the possibility for increased odds of disease and cancerous cells. Cancer is a disease that is caused by a shortage of vitamins and the deadly chemical substances found in our food. By adding more chemicals to our foods, likelihoods of developing the deteriorating disease only rise. An Italian physician named Giuseppe Nacci verifies this idea by clarifying how the changes of our human body due to genetic modification can increase our chances for disease. “The delicate biochemical balance of the human race depends on plant species remaining integral, just as evolution created them, because the health of every one of us is based on the biochemical human cell…through the complexity of the DNA, on the use of thousands of vitamins and of the herbal-chemical compounds present in nature” (Nacci 25). By changing the natural balance within our bodies by consuming genetically modified organisms, we are slowly adding dangerous toxins. Nacci continues by acknowledging “the majority of genes used in GE come from living species which have never been a part of the human food chain and actually come from the DNA not of plants but of animals, bacteria or viruses and/or transgenic retroviruses” (Nacci 26). These changes can cause irreversible damage. However, a balanced diet of organic foods that have not been genetically changed can turn into a diet that have kept us alive and well for centuries. The body has amazing powers to heal itself when eating organic. Adding genes, chemicals and other harmful toxins can only negatively damage our natural bodily functions. It also increases our odds of developing more grave diseases in the future.
Despite how much healthier naturally grown food is for our bodies, numerous farms are losing business to larger companies. It is because the larger companies encourage the production of genetically modified crops. They’ve even got a crazy gene that causes a plant to successfully commit suicide. It’s like a “plant suicide” type of thing. How you ask? The sterilized seed cannot be used again for the next planting season. This profits the companies that sell the seeds as at the end of each season. Farmers must spend their money to buy new seeds at the beginning of each season. While the genetically modified seeds are sold at a lesser price than other seeds, since they cannot be used for the next planting season, the price of these cheaper seeds increase over time. This means even more money comes out of the farmers’ pockets. By not being able to save the seeds from the previous year, farmers continue the battle to keep their farms alive. Farmers also have no way of returning to the organic farming they had once done before. Once a genetically modified crop is embedded on a farm, or even someplace close, there is always the continuous threat of cross-pollination. Cross-pollination results in annoying and unnecessary problem with large companies who own the patent. For example, lets say you were a farmer and you steal a seed, you will be sued. Even though you meant no harm, the courts will side with the big businesses. All the seeds will all be destroyed. You will go bankrupt and/or you will settle for a insignificant financial agreement between yourself and the company. Even farms that decided not to use genetically modified seeds are under the endless intimidation with the fear of larger corporations. They are afraid of the big companies taking over their small family farming business. In the end, no matter which way farmers decide go, they are confronted with the troubles of genetically modified organisms. It’s a like a curse because farmers deal with genetically modified organisms whether they want to or not.
While some may dispute that only a small number of genetically modified organisms crops are commercialized for human consumption, there are numerous more on the list than one may think. Almost all genetically modified crop production in the present-day consists of just four crops: soybeans, corn, canola, and cotton. They are not consumed directly by individuals. They are also used for animal food, oil, and clothing. Down the line, we are exposed to the genetically modified organisms existent in these products. For example, humans digest the animals that have been in contact with genetically modified organism. By consuming these animals, we still have contact with these genetically modified organisms. We use canola oil in cooking and wear clothes day-to-day. Those simple actions are even more interaction with the dangerous toxins. Some experts try to argue that genetically modified organisms are completely safe for human consumption. Yet, there are more studies and more data appearing to claim otherwise. Many genetically modified crops “contain its own built-in pesticides…when bugs take a bite of the genetically modified plant, the toxins split open their stomach and kill them” (Smith, “Genetically Modified Food Is Not Safe 18). With this in mind, we consume these “safe” crops on the daily. Despite their capability to kill other living things from the inside out, we don’t see the bigger picture that can happen to us as human consumers. Those that take the side on genetically modified organisms claiming that they are harmless to eat should contemplate the harmful results of the food. Those people should do more research and reconsider their opinion on genetically modified organisms.
As part of a movement to decrease the intake of genetically modified organisms, I advise and encourage that genetically modified products be labeled. Labeling along with the nutritional values shouldn’t be so complicated. Currently, the United States is one of the few countries left that does not make it mandatory for genetically modified products to be identified. I know that other countries across the world refuse to grow these genetically modified plants and even burned the seeds that were gifted to them by the biggest offender Monsanto. However, I think many people would still knowingly eat genetically modified organisms, while at least some of the others would make an effort to avoid the modifications. If we were to label genetically modified organisms on the nutritional label found on all food products, we would be able to see what food we eat on a day-to-day basis. It would be easier cutback our consumption of genetically modified organisms for the sake of our own well-being. Many people are pleading for the labeling of genetically modified organisms to be an obligation for all food products. Consumers can learn to be more thoughtful of what foods they purchase and make more knowledgeable choices. By consciously knowing exactly what we are eating, we can make more educated choices about our food, which can only lengthen our health.
In order to look forward to a prolonged and healthy future, we want to focus more on local farmers who still prefer to grow their crops the “natural way.” Foods that are cultivated organically have revealed to be beneficial for our bodies. Organic foods contain vitamins and minerals that are not merged with chemicals. As we struggle to overpower the food industry by imposing our own rules on how to produce food, we are ultimately going to be victors in the end. Rather than producing foods that have genetically modified organisms, we should focus more on the natural path. Nature is full of transpiring miracles that have been happening for millions of years. Nature is a way of life. One can’t just come and try to control or alter it because that’s not the way its meant to be. Organic farmers are an admirable example of societies who decided to work with nature. Organic farmers would never go against it because they would try their best to keep it as natural as it can be.
Another way we can take a stance against genetically modified organisms is by supporting cultivators who continue to grow food organically. The result to growing crops organically is “health.” By having all these pesticides in our produce, it causes harm and organic farmers are trying to do little to no harm as possible. If we support farms who’s determination is to be as sustainable as possible, we are doing our part to remove genetically modified organisms. Organic farms are then able to continue growing their harvest and able stay in production game much longer. By supporting these farms they do not have to fall prey to large companies. These larger companies are just trying to have a larger market share and are always taking more from small businesses who are barely holding up. Farmers are forced into corporations with the agreement and contract of making money. Then, farmers then battle to escape the debt they accumulate by the end of the planting season. Buying food that is cultivated locally and without the use of genetically modified organisms can preserve the businesses. The businesses in the end, will still prefer to grow their food the natural way while also elongating the lifespan and general health of the community.
Spread the word. Share the valuable knowledge with as may people as you can. Tell them how genetically modified organisms have not been intelligently tested on humans. That is a good reason on why genetically modified produce should not be consumed. With their long list of side effects, they are existent in animals and soon enough humans will be affected as well. Taking a stand against genetically modified organisms is crucial and very significant when regarding human life. If we want local farmers to remain and continue growing their crops without genetic modifications, we need to back them up by buying their produce rather than a popular brand name. Not only is buying locally grown produce healthier, but also gives a promise that the healthy food you are buying will still be obtainable for years to come. Although the pricing may change, you are paying for the quality of the food. The quality of your food is the quality of your life. Genetically modified organisms were not intended to be consumed and to clash with our body’s natural balance. By consuming genetically modified organisms, you are positioning your own life in a path of danger. So make the right choice before it’s too late. Take care of what you put in your body because you only have one.