Professor C. Jason Smith
ENG101
2 December 2013
Eat It ? I Can't Even Pronounce It
Have you ever wondered if the food we are eating is not eating us instead? According to researchers, most people in the United States don’t realize that they have been eating genetically modified organisms since the early 1990’s. So what exactly is a “Genetically modified organism?” Genetically modified organisms (GMO’s) are plants or animals created through a gene splicing technique of biotechnology also known as genetic engineering. This experiment merges DNA from different species creating unstable combinations of plant, animal, bacterial, and viral genes that cannot occur through natural breeding. Although there is not much studies on genetic engineering due to the fact that genetic engineering hasn’t been around for so long, it has become evident and noticeable that genetic modification has certain effects for the long run. The main purpose for genetically modified organisms is to create food products more efficient and faster mainly for profiting purposes. I believe GMO’s can have unpredictable effects that can be harmful for human consumption and the environment as well. But why are GMO’s hazardous for human consumption and our environment?
By mixing the genes of totally unrelated species, genetic engineering creates a new host; an organism that can cause unpredictable health defects. Therefore, the whole process of this creation can be very damaging, causing new allergens, carcinogens, toxins, and nutritional deficiencies. In 1996, after GMO’s were introduced, the number of health problems escalated. Years after, Americans that were diagnosed with three or more chronic illnesses had increased from 7`% to 13%. The American Academy of Environmental Medicine (AAEM) recommended doctors to prescribe non-genetic modified diets to all their patients. The AAEM examines on animals and humans to ensure related or unrelated health effects. Animals that were given genetically modified food products revealed many health defects such as organ damage, gastrointestinal and immune system disorders, infertility, and accelerated aging. Genetically modified food products given to humans showed results that can cause long term effects due to the waste material left behind in the body. Genetically modified plants such as soybean, corn, canola and cottonseed for example, all have the possibilities of transferring DNA genes of bacteria and viruses to enter the body. Most of the inserted genes that come from bacteria and viruses have never been within the human body system. With new bacteria’s and viruses entering the body, this can result in many more infections that the human body has never been introduced to. Genetic engineering can create new bacteria’s and viruses that can evolve inside the genetically modified product as well. When a bacteria or virus evolves, it makes it more effective and tougher to overcome. Food allergies affect 5% of children and 2% of adults in the United States. Allergic reactions in humans occur when a harmless substance known as an allergen, enters the body and stimulates an immune response. The immune system is designed to eliminate any substance that isn’t recognized by the human body. The concern about genetically modified products containing these allergens is that these allergens could have evolved to be more effective causing a stronger resistant allergic reaction. The immune system would have to defend against these unstable allergens more frequently making the immune system function more than it needs to. Another effect that genetically modified foods is that it produces toxins that are unhealthy for human consumption. Most plants produce substances that are toxic for humans, but at low toxic levels that don’t produce any critical health effects. Researchers have concluded that when inserting an unrelated gene into a plant, many alterations occur in the newly modified product. If the plants genes are damaged during the process of genetic modification, it is likely that the plant alters the genes of the toxins making the toxin levels higher than usual. This can be extremely harmful for human consumption and can affect the individual later on in his/her life. A genetically modified plant is more likely to have less nutritional quality than its original counterpart mainly because the newly modified food product doesn’t have the same nutrients and proteins available as the original food product. For example, phytate is a compound found in seeds and grains that combines with minerals and makes them unavailable to humans. A genetic food product with this inserted gene could cause the plant to bring out higher levels of phytate, decreasing the nutritional value of the plant. Studies show that a strain of genetically modified soybean produced lower levels of phytoestrogen compounds, believed to protect against heart disease and cancer. In the past recent years, many health professionals have been aroused by the increasing number of bacterial strains that show resistance to antibiotics. Bacteria develop resistance to antibiotics by creating antibiotic resistant genes through natural mutation. Biotechnologists use antibiotic resistance genes when inserting new genes into the plant. Scientists then wait to see if the plant survives. If it does scientist can conclude that the plant has taken up the antibiotic resistance gene along with the desired gene as well. Scientists are concerned that the bacteria living in the guts of humans can pick up the antibiotic resistance gene from a genetically modified plant before the DNA becomes completely digested. This can make several bacteria more deadly than it already is. Many researchers have argued at the fact that genetic modification was introduced to the public without enough knowledge on the effects that can occur of consuming modified food products. Not only has it affected the individual, but it has affected our environment as well.
It is inevitable to try and eliminate all relations of genetic modification in our environment. Most people don’t realize the severity that genetic engineering has on the environment. Genetically modified crops have been proven to harm many life forms and possibly affect our very own food chain. Genetically modified crops can harm soil organisms, birds, insects, amphibians, including the whole marine ecosystem! Genetically modified crops are one of the many reasons that will result in the extinction of certain life forms. For example, studies show how genetically modified crops are taking over the habitat of monarch butterflies. The population size of these butterflies has declined 50% in the United States. It’s not the plant itself that is affecting the environment but the insecticides and herbicides that are being sprayed on the plants. Round-up herbicide, a chemical sprayed on a plant in order to eliminate certain weeds, contains a certain substance known as glyphosate. Round-up herbicide has shown to be related to organ damage, embryonic deaths and endocrine disruptions in animals even at very low doses. Glyphosate, round up’s main active ingredient, is the most used herbicide in the United States. It. Too much glyphosate within a certain organism can produce certain nutritional deficiencies and systemic toxicity. This eventually leads to chronic illnesses such as Alzheimer’s disease, Autism, Parkinson’s disease. Researchers have studied that genetically modified crops cross pollinate and their seeds can travel. This is a danger because once an engineered gene enters another species of crops, it creates “Super weeds” requiring larger amounts of toxic pesticides in order to keep the plant alive. 100 million pounds of herbicides, pesticides, and insecticides are sprayed each year into our plants not knowing the long term dangers that come along with it.
The truth always comes out sooner or later, and we as individuals must take certain actions and preventions in order to maintain a good healthy life. After all, we do have the right to know if our food is being contaminated with hundreds of chemicals just so that these large companies can make a quick extra buck. You may be wondering, what can I do to prevent from eating genetically modified food products? One way you can prevent from eating a genetically modified food product is to check for labeling. 100% organic products have a non-GMO project verified seal which ensure that no genetically modified ingredient has been placed in the organic product. Milk for example, must have labels of no rBGH, rBST, or artificial hormones to be certified as organic. It’s best to avoid food products that don’t have any labeling because it’s more likely that the unlabeled food product contains some sort of ingredient that has been genetically modified. The Non-GMO Project has many guides and tips to avoid and identify genetically modified products. If you don’t want to use these helpful tips, you can simply become your own farmer. My father for example, plants his tomatoes and grape seeds naturally without spraying any chemicals. The only struggle in this process, is maintaining the plant in good conditions and frequently washing the plant so that any insects, bacteria or viruses don’t interfere with the growth of the plant. Many debates have aroused as to the labeling of genetically modified food products. California has enforced a Proposition 37, where it states that people should have the right to know what is in their food. As an individual, I believe this proposition should be enforced all over the nation because this will open the public’s eye on the dangers of genetic modification. I wouldn’t want to be feeding my family “fake” food and knowing that it can have severe consequences in the near future. We as citizens should unite in order to contain and perhaps eliminate genetic pollution from getting worse than what it already is.
Genetic engineering will outlast the effects of nuclear waste and global warming at some point if actions are not taken into account. We should stop these corrupted corporations from bullying us in a sense that we are not being told the real truth about genetically modified organisms. Genetic modification will be a topic that will not be resolved if we don’t do something about it. It’s like rolling a snowball down the hill and it accumulates as it goes further. Sooner or later the snowball will be so large that it will be tougher to overcome.
By mixing the genes of totally unrelated species, genetic engineering creates a new host; an organism that can cause unpredictable health defects. Therefore, the whole process of this creation can be very damaging, causing new allergens, carcinogens, toxins, and nutritional deficiencies. In 1996, after GMO’s were introduced, the number of health problems escalated. Years after, Americans that were diagnosed with three or more chronic illnesses had increased from 7`% to 13%. The American Academy of Environmental Medicine (AAEM) recommended doctors to prescribe non-genetic modified diets to all their patients. The AAEM examines on animals and humans to ensure related or unrelated health effects. Animals that were given genetically modified food products revealed many health defects such as organ damage, gastrointestinal and immune system disorders, infertility, and accelerated aging. Genetically modified food products given to humans showed results that can cause long term effects due to the waste material left behind in the body. Genetically modified plants such as soybean, corn, canola and cottonseed for example, all have the possibilities of transferring DNA genes of bacteria and viruses to enter the body. Most of the inserted genes that come from bacteria and viruses have never been within the human body system. With new bacteria’s and viruses entering the body, this can result in many more infections that the human body has never been introduced to. Genetic engineering can create new bacteria’s and viruses that can evolve inside the genetically modified product as well. When a bacteria or virus evolves, it makes it more effective and tougher to overcome. Food allergies affect 5% of children and 2% of adults in the United States. Allergic reactions in humans occur when a harmless substance known as an allergen, enters the body and stimulates an immune response. The immune system is designed to eliminate any substance that isn’t recognized by the human body. The concern about genetically modified products containing these allergens is that these allergens could have evolved to be more effective causing a stronger resistant allergic reaction. The immune system would have to defend against these unstable allergens more frequently making the immune system function more than it needs to. Another effect that genetically modified foods is that it produces toxins that are unhealthy for human consumption. Most plants produce substances that are toxic for humans, but at low toxic levels that don’t produce any critical health effects. Researchers have concluded that when inserting an unrelated gene into a plant, many alterations occur in the newly modified product. If the plants genes are damaged during the process of genetic modification, it is likely that the plant alters the genes of the toxins making the toxin levels higher than usual. This can be extremely harmful for human consumption and can affect the individual later on in his/her life. A genetically modified plant is more likely to have less nutritional quality than its original counterpart mainly because the newly modified food product doesn’t have the same nutrients and proteins available as the original food product. For example, phytate is a compound found in seeds and grains that combines with minerals and makes them unavailable to humans. A genetic food product with this inserted gene could cause the plant to bring out higher levels of phytate, decreasing the nutritional value of the plant. Studies show that a strain of genetically modified soybean produced lower levels of phytoestrogen compounds, believed to protect against heart disease and cancer. In the past recent years, many health professionals have been aroused by the increasing number of bacterial strains that show resistance to antibiotics. Bacteria develop resistance to antibiotics by creating antibiotic resistant genes through natural mutation. Biotechnologists use antibiotic resistance genes when inserting new genes into the plant. Scientists then wait to see if the plant survives. If it does scientist can conclude that the plant has taken up the antibiotic resistance gene along with the desired gene as well. Scientists are concerned that the bacteria living in the guts of humans can pick up the antibiotic resistance gene from a genetically modified plant before the DNA becomes completely digested. This can make several bacteria more deadly than it already is. Many researchers have argued at the fact that genetic modification was introduced to the public without enough knowledge on the effects that can occur of consuming modified food products. Not only has it affected the individual, but it has affected our environment as well.
It is inevitable to try and eliminate all relations of genetic modification in our environment. Most people don’t realize the severity that genetic engineering has on the environment. Genetically modified crops have been proven to harm many life forms and possibly affect our very own food chain. Genetically modified crops can harm soil organisms, birds, insects, amphibians, including the whole marine ecosystem! Genetically modified crops are one of the many reasons that will result in the extinction of certain life forms. For example, studies show how genetically modified crops are taking over the habitat of monarch butterflies. The population size of these butterflies has declined 50% in the United States. It’s not the plant itself that is affecting the environment but the insecticides and herbicides that are being sprayed on the plants. Round-up herbicide, a chemical sprayed on a plant in order to eliminate certain weeds, contains a certain substance known as glyphosate. Round-up herbicide has shown to be related to organ damage, embryonic deaths and endocrine disruptions in animals even at very low doses. Glyphosate, round up’s main active ingredient, is the most used herbicide in the United States. It. Too much glyphosate within a certain organism can produce certain nutritional deficiencies and systemic toxicity. This eventually leads to chronic illnesses such as Alzheimer’s disease, Autism, Parkinson’s disease. Researchers have studied that genetically modified crops cross pollinate and their seeds can travel. This is a danger because once an engineered gene enters another species of crops, it creates “Super weeds” requiring larger amounts of toxic pesticides in order to keep the plant alive. 100 million pounds of herbicides, pesticides, and insecticides are sprayed each year into our plants not knowing the long term dangers that come along with it.
The truth always comes out sooner or later, and we as individuals must take certain actions and preventions in order to maintain a good healthy life. After all, we do have the right to know if our food is being contaminated with hundreds of chemicals just so that these large companies can make a quick extra buck. You may be wondering, what can I do to prevent from eating genetically modified food products? One way you can prevent from eating a genetically modified food product is to check for labeling. 100% organic products have a non-GMO project verified seal which ensure that no genetically modified ingredient has been placed in the organic product. Milk for example, must have labels of no rBGH, rBST, or artificial hormones to be certified as organic. It’s best to avoid food products that don’t have any labeling because it’s more likely that the unlabeled food product contains some sort of ingredient that has been genetically modified. The Non-GMO Project has many guides and tips to avoid and identify genetically modified products. If you don’t want to use these helpful tips, you can simply become your own farmer. My father for example, plants his tomatoes and grape seeds naturally without spraying any chemicals. The only struggle in this process, is maintaining the plant in good conditions and frequently washing the plant so that any insects, bacteria or viruses don’t interfere with the growth of the plant. Many debates have aroused as to the labeling of genetically modified food products. California has enforced a Proposition 37, where it states that people should have the right to know what is in their food. As an individual, I believe this proposition should be enforced all over the nation because this will open the public’s eye on the dangers of genetic modification. I wouldn’t want to be feeding my family “fake” food and knowing that it can have severe consequences in the near future. We as citizens should unite in order to contain and perhaps eliminate genetic pollution from getting worse than what it already is.
Genetic engineering will outlast the effects of nuclear waste and global warming at some point if actions are not taken into account. We should stop these corrupted corporations from bullying us in a sense that we are not being told the real truth about genetically modified organisms. Genetic modification will be a topic that will not be resolved if we don’t do something about it. It’s like rolling a snowball down the hill and it accumulates as it goes further. Sooner or later the snowball will be so large that it will be tougher to overcome.
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