What are GMOs?
Genetically modified organisms, commonly referred to as GMOs, can be defined as an organism whose genetic material (DNA) has been altered by the use of genetic engineering. This change in the DNA is done through the use of bacteria, viruses, and other plants and animals. The results of genetically modifying an organism cannot be achieved natural means.
The figure below provides facts, studies, and opinions on the use of genetically modified organisms:
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Image source Visual.ly/gmo/comWhat’s the point?Plants that have been genetically modified are created to be able to live in the presence of an herbicide, which is commonly used to kill unwanted plants within a crop. GMOs are also engineered to produce an insecticide within the plant itself that will kill any insect that would normally be harmful to the plant.Where are they found? GMOs are most commonly found and reported in soy, corn and cotton plants. It is estimated that more than 80% of each crop listed above contains genetically modified DNA. In the United States it is not required by law to report on packages whether the product contains GMOs or not. The only way to know if the food you purchase is free of modified organisms is to look for an official "organic" label. Below is a graph that shows an increase in use of GMOs from the mid-90's until 2012:  Image source http://wholelifenutrition.net/learn/gmo-free/where-are-gmos-found/
Resources:
http://www.nongmoproject.org/learn-more/
http://theadplan.com/alzheimersdietblog/foods-to-avoid/what-you-should-know-about-gmos/
http://wholelifenutrition.net/learn/gmo-free/where-are-gmos-found/ |
ReplyDeleteIt is not the first time for me to hear genetically modified organisms in food, but I never do any research on it. Your article give me many base information about GMO, it is a starting point for me to understand GMO. So I still want to know more about it, because I feel little wired about GMO after read your articles. Could you write more about it, such as how GMO influence out daily life since the food you mentioned is very common in our daily. I look for your more post.
Knowing that our culture revolves around mass production of mass goods, GMOs seem to be one of the only solutions to support our "need". The graph really puts these genetically modified organisms into perspective. It's shocking to know that roughly 95% of the products we buy contain GMOs. Your definition is clear and definitely helps me understand why it's important to understand what we are actually buying. It would be interesting to hear more about the risks, both of the present and the future, of consuming GMOs.
ReplyDeleteThis is an excellent and detailed introduction into your topic. The graph was a good addition; it opened my eyes to how much the food industry has evolved through the years. Considering today's fad in healthy lifestyle eating and dieting, it's still good to understand and establish what is actually healthy and what has been modified for us. I am looking forward to reading your upcoming blogs.
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