Why GMO foods are really dangerous

GMOs are genetically modified organisms. That is, either an extraneous genome is introduced into them, which changes their properties, or their own is edited. Thanks to such changes, plants, for example, become resistant to pests and frost. Genetically modified animals, let’s make a reservation right away, do not exist. True, they may well be fed with compound feed obtained from transgenic soybeans and corn.

Experts agree that the production of genetically modified products is the most important achievement of science. At the same time, many doctors of GMOs fear and scare their patients with them: they say that such products cause irreparable harm to the immune and digestive systems, lead to infertility, early aging of the body and cause cancer.

We tried to figure out what is more in them – harm or benefit.

Know GMOs by sight

Modified products include potatoes, which has ceased to be attractive to Colorado beetles. And it became very harmful to rats, because after eating it in these mammals, various pathologies develop in the body.

Tomato, corn, peas, pumpkin, soy, canola, cotton, sugar beet, rice and even salmon – all these products are genetically modified and are constantly tested for safety.

We already know for sure that tomato there is a gene for frost resistance, and salmon can live in both salt and fresh water, and next to soy weeds do not grow.

Why is it beneficial

Genetically modified foods multiply incredibly quickly, yield 4 or even 5 times more crops than conventional foods, are resistant to sudden temperature changes, bacteria and various natural pests. All this plays into the hands of companies making billions of dollars in sales revenue.

Opponents of GMF claim that they are the reason for the total spread of many modern diseases, such as allergies and cancer, as well as a decrease in the body’s immunity and a violation of the structure of the gastric mucosa.

GMO products are conventionally divided into three categories:

– vegetables and fruitseaten;

– products with GM ingredientswhich are added as sweeteners and colorants;

– processed products, such as bean curd, tomato paste, yoghurts, ice cream, baby food, sauces, ketchups, sausages, sausages and chips.

Where to look for protection

By law, manufacturers must label products that contain GMOs, and not vice versa. Products, if grown naturally, are labeled as “100% organic”, “Organic”, “Made with organic ingredients.” Most often, this is a guarantee that there are no additional additives and GMOs in them.

Labels with the words: “Non-GMO” and “Made without the use of GMOs” indicate that the product contains no more than 0,9% GMO.

What is the harm?

Here the opinions of experts were divided. There are still no studies that would unequivocally confirm either the danger or safety of GMOs.

– Today it is too early to give an expert assessment, because there is no evidence base. Indeed, for commercial purposes, GMO products actively entered the market about 10 years ago, for science this is too short a time. Yes, we have all heard about studies on animals that ate GMO foods: the animals suffered from liver and kidney diseases, metabolic problems, allergies and infertility occurred. But there are questions about the conscientiousness of such research. But there is no compelling evidence of the harm of GMO foods.

Now we can only assume the consequences, but how dangerous or not dangerous products with GMOs will be known only to our future generations.

GMOs are not dangerous in any way. In America (with their strictest certification of everything in the world!), The sale of many genetically engineered plants is now allowed: from undimmed apples to super-tasty pineapples of an unusual pink color. And even some animals, like the fast-growing salmon. In their conclusion, the local regulatory authorities wrote in black and white: “In terms of the effect on the body, the products are no different from ordinary ones.”

In our country, GMOs are also actively used, but it is forbidden to grow them – to protect traditional domestic agricultural producers. Russian scientists have repeatedly tested the effect of such food (for example, soybeans and corn) on a huge number of generations of laboratory animals – no problem. Genetic engineering is, in fact, the same selection, only fast and targeted. I am sure that the future belongs to her.