What did you have for lunch today? Seedless grapes, pizza, or scorpion?
You're probably saying "Huh? Why scorpion?" Fact is, your lunch could've had some scorpion in it.
We consume genetically modified (GM) foods everyday. Genetically modified foods are food that have been altered. Genes from different organisms and foods are combined to make other foods. So for example, the cheese on that pizza could've been made with scorpion DNA.
What are the benefits of GM foods?
The world's population is at 6 billion people, but it's expected to double in the next 50 years. GM foods can keep increasing the food supply, so everyone has enough to eat. GM foods can also decrease malnutrition. Another reason is farmers spray their crops with pesticides and herbicides, to protect them from insects and killer weeds. Eating foods with the pesticides is unhealthy. But GM foods aren't planted as crops.
Sounds safe, right? Guess again!
90% of food allergies are to peanuts, milk, eggs, wheat, fish, peanuts, tree nuts, or shellfish. The part of the peanut which people have allergic reasons to, is used to make other foods. So if you're highly allergic to a peanut, you could be eating parts of a peanut without knowing. Also, In May 2005, genetically modified corn caused the kidney sizes in animals to decrease.
This is why groups like Greenpeace ban against genetically modified foods.
Luckily, there's an alternative to GM foods. Organic foods are the alternate to genetically modified foods. Organic food is sometimes called "natural food". There are organic vegetables, fruits, cheese, milk and even cereals and chips. They're not sprayed with ANY chemicals, However, organic food is pretty expensive. A family of four can spend $500+ on their grocery bill by eating organically.
I'm not trying to say all GM products are bad for you. Medicines, fibres, and vitamins are some of the GM foods that contribute to our health.
So, to eat or not to eat? YOU be the JUDGE.
holiday50
