Understanding GMO Foods

What exactly are these GMO foods that we hear so much about? GMO foods are foods that have had part of their genetic code removed and replaced with the genetic code of another species. It could be another species of plant or even an animals. GMO stands for genetically modified organism. They are not things that would normally crossbreed in nature. This is frankenstein food science. For example arctic fish genes were inserted into the genetic codes of tomatoes and strawberries to make them more tolerant to frost. GMOs are usually created to be pest resistant and herbicide tolerant.

One of the problems with GMO foods is that in order for the scientist to understand which cells in the body are being affected they have to use marker genes. These marker genes are created from bacteria which are resistant to antibiotics. Is this the cause of our "super bugs" making the human population sick? It is this author's opinion that GMO foods are definitely the source.

Many of these modified plants also create toxins. Sheep in India grazing on btCotton were killed by the toxin in the plant. In the United states GMO foods found are soy, corn, cotton, tobacco as well as others. They are also trying to develop more everyday. Dairy cows in the United States are also injected with rbGH, which is a GMO hormone. GMOs also contaminate other crops and animals who eat them.

There are many health problems associated with eating GMO foods. These include bleeding ulcers, allergies, sterility, weakened immune systems, higher risk of breast and prostate cancer, and liver disease. Not to mention that genetically modifying foods has the risk of altering the nutritional level of the food. Maybe that is why so many people are suffering from vitamin deficiency in this country.

Since the USDA and FDA refuse to make labeling these foods so that people know what they are buying, there really is no way to tell whether the food you are buying is a GMO or not. The best way to ensure the health of your food and the health of your family is to grow your own foods from open pollinated seeds. These are also referred to as heirloom seeds and must be purchased from a special supplier. Most seeds carried in the hardware and feed stores across the country are GMO seeds. So beware of your food and grow your own to be safe.