In this modern era technology is applied to everything
including the food that we eat. Genetically modified food has been becoming our
most frequently consumed type of food. Genetically modified (GM) foods are foods
derived from organisms whose genetic material (DNA) has been modified in a way
that does not occur naturally, e.g. through the introduction of a gene from a
different organism. Currently genetically modified food are mostly derived food
plants. Plants are genetically modified to improve yield through the
introduction of resistance to plant diseases or of increased tolerance to
herbicides. Some common foods that are genetically modified include potato,
tomato, soy, maize, sunflowers, rice and pumpkins. Genetically modified foods are convenient for
us but it has many unwanted effects on our health as well.
The most frequent concern with GM foods is the development of
life-threatening allergies. Many children in the US and Europe have developed
life-threatening allergies to peanuts and other foods. There is a possibility
that the introduction of new genes in the food may create a new allergen or
cause an allergic reaction in susceptible individuals. In such a person an
allergic reaction can threaten their life and in severe cases can cause death.
GM foods have also showed evidence of
toxins upon testing them. The first GM food which was submitted to FDA was
genetically modified tomato which showed some toxins in them. These foods were
tested on rats. The results showed that some of the rats had developed stomach
lesions which can lead to hemorrhage, particularly in elderly people who use
aspirin to prevent blood clots. Also, GM foods have been known to cause liver damage.
Genetically modifies potatoes were tested on rats and rabbits. These tests
showed that there were structural changes in the liver and altered enzyme
production in the liver. Other than this GM foods cause many more health
problems such as infertility, immune problems, accelerated aging, insulin
regulation, and changes in major organs and the gastrointestinal system. Based
on these results it is very clear that genetically modified foods can cause
more harm than good to our health.
