Genetically Modified Organisms And Its Effects On Human Health

Genetic modified organisms, or GMOs, are living organisms that, through the genetic engineering process, have been altered to withstand certain chemicals and increase the nutritional value of the product. In fact, the majority of the foods found at the grocery store are genetically altered. Genetic modification is becoming increasingly popular on farms throughout the United States and moving into other parts of the world due to their increasing yield capabilities and pest and weed control. However, this has been, and continues to be, an extremely controversial topic of discussion in the world of agriculture and biotechnology, as well as health food critics, because of potential environmental and health risks.

As said before, GMOs are genetically modified organisms, and can be dangerous, so experts say. They say that the GMO process causes diseases such as cancer or diabetes, and some also say that GM foods can cause allergic reactions. They are saying this because, as they have discovered, some companies have mixed protein from nuts and inserted into beans, which can be harmful

Reason to Listen: Genetically modified food can cause serious health issues such as allergies, diseases, and liver problems (Health Risks, 2016). Each of you has most likely eaten food that has been genetically modified, meaning that you have the potential to be exposed to these health problems. Your health is at risk here along with the health of your friends and family.

Many will argue that Genetically Modified Organisms(GMOs) are not safe for human consumption, however they are almost inevitable for our everyday food consumption. Some argue that the recent increase in gluten intolerance is caused by GMO foods (Argument against). Other state that the risk to humans by GMO’s is relatively small (The GMO”). The bottom line is what people put into their bodies is a personal choice and a person should be able to easily tell if a product has been genetically modified or not.

Imagine going to the grocery store and seeing a seedless watermelon, but it is not the typical oval, it is square. Down the produce aisle, there are sweet, juicy strawberries; however, there is a warning label that says, “Do not consume if you have a nut allergy.” The world today is moving forward in the way that society produces our wholefoods. Genetic engineering, bioengineering, or biotechnology is the process of inserting the genetics of different plants and organisms into other plants or organisms to create new, more efficient DNA. However, is it truly beneficial to modify the world’s natural foods? The use of genetic engineering can disrupt the ecosystems that have taken billions of years to develop. Many years of research and work have gone into the subject of genetically modified foods; however, this new food trend could create or enhance food related illnesses and health problems, interfere with nature’s environs, and could even cause specific ethical problems for individuals that practice different faith. People should be aware of genetic engineering, how it works, and how it affects their lives.

This implies that the intake of genetically modified food leaves the body in an unnatural state and impedes the body’s natural mechanisms, which therefore endangers the body’s health. Dangerous side effects of excessive consumption of GMO in a diet disrupts the natural state of the body which can range from body toxicity, food allergies, negative reproductive effects, and sometimes even death (6 Negative Side Affects To Eating Genetically Modified Foods, 2010).

Virtually all commercial GMOs are engineered to withstand direct application of herbicide and/or to produce an insecticide. Despite biotech industry promises, none of the GMO traits currently on the market offer increased yield, drought tolerance, enhanced nutrition, or any other consumer benefit.

What are Genetically Modified Organisms or GMOs? “GMOs are living organisms whose genetic material has been artificially manipulated in a laboratory through genetic engineering, or GE” (Clendaniel). The genetic modification of food is defined as essentially, “any change to the heritable traits of an organism achieved by intentional manipulation,” or more specifically, “recombinant DNA technology, which is the process of removing individual genes form one organism and transplanting them into another organism” (MacDonald and Whellams 181; Kirby 352). This genetic modification or gene splicing is the basis for modern bioengineering. With ever-growing populations the need for food, now more than ever, is in great demand; along with environmental issues related to climate change, bioengineering has been the answer to a multitude of global tribulations. Scientist have created “drought resistant corn and soybeans,” rice with increased nutrients, and “pest resistant plants” (Kirsch 21). It is evident that growing food with GMOs can result in increased availability of crops that are naturally resistant to insects. Along with this, “The Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations reports that some GMO foods have been engineered to be more nutritious in terms of mineral or vitamin

On recent years, Genetically Modify Organism (GMOs) are becoming a major topic for argument on American consumers. Recent studies are starting to prove how dangerous they are. More animal right groups are coming on how GMOs contribute to animal cruelty. Also, scientist are starring to warn the public on the effects GMO farming has in the Ecosystem. Finally, medical studies conducted in foreign countries show the negative impact GMO foods have on humans.

To begin with, GMOs are unsafe for human consumption. One reason they are unsafe is the fact that they cause health problems. Some of the health problems they cause are immune problems, faster aging, changes in major organs in our bodies, and infertility. The most common health problem GMOs cause is allergic reactions. They cause allergic reactions because GM foods contain combined proteins that weren’t in the original organisms. When the GM proteins are added, it can cause a new allergy to its’ consumer. Ken Mandel, a contributor at NewsMax, said, “For example, if a protein from an organism that caused an allergic reaction is added to something that previously didn’t, it may prompt a new allergic reaction.” That is only one reason why GMOs are unsafe.

Humans have been altering the genomes of plants and animals for many years using traditional breeding techniques. Artificial selection for specific, desired traits has resulted in a variety of different organisms, ranging from sweet corn to hairless cats. But this artificial selection, in which organisms that exhibit specific traits are chosen to breed subsequent generations, and has been limited to naturally occurring variations. GMO’s achieve what natural breeding cannot by allowing precise control on what the organism’s traits are. Genetically modified organisms have become very common and have a wide variety of applications from medicine to agriculture. Issues revolving around GMO include dangers to the eco system and there have been studies relating GMO’s to negative impacts on human health. GMO’s can optimize agricultural performance or facilitating the production of valuable pharmaceutical substances. Crop plants, farm animals, and soil

Contrary to popular belief, genetically modified foods are very safe. In the past seventeen years that GMOs have been marketed, there has not been a single health issue documented (Van Monatgu). This is because GMOs are subjected to extensive testing to ensure that they are safe to be consumed. The FDA, USDA, and other food companies know

Genetically Modified Organisms or GMO 's, are becoming a commonly used item in households across the nation. The American people don 't understand exactly what GMO are or their side effects. GMO 's are commonly crossed with a variety of growth hormone used in human and animals, rBGH or rHGH ("Genetic Process"). Also, the scientist have linked GMO to diseases such as Stroke, Dementia, and Diabetes. Knowing the risk scientist still release the patent seed to supply the growing population. GMO products will triumph over human populations through disease.

A Genetically Modified Organism or GMO is an organism whose genome has been altered by the process of genetic engineering so that its DNA contains one or more genes not normally found within. These genetically modified organisms are a relatively new phenomenon in the United States, introduced in 1994. However, beginning in 2014 these chemicals could be found in 90% of corn, cotton, and soybeans produced in the United States. The looks and taste of genetically modified organisms may seem inviting but are the health risks really worth it? In my opinion, I believe that while genetically modified organisms do have positive feel and comfort they pose a large health risk to all who choose to consume them.

As time progresses, more and more research is done that examines how what we eat affects our body. I am sure that all of you have seen research that, in general, discourages us from eating processed food that contains artificial colors, flavors and preservatives. Instead, we are encouraged to eat “natural” food—fruit, vegetables and minimally processed grains. However, I’m sure that by now, most of you have heard about GMOs, or Genetically Modified Organisms. GMOs are living organisms whose genetic material has been altered in a laboratory by processes such as gene splicing. The result is an organism that doesn’t exist in nature—it has essentially been created in a laboratory. There is growing debate over the use of GMOs. Some argue that the risks outweigh the benefits. Some argue that the benefits outweigh the risks. Regardless of your opinion about the use of GMOs, I hope to provide you all with a better knowledge of the history of GMOs, a better understanding of the practical uses of GMOs and address the most commonly discussed pros and cons associated with the use of GMOs.