Omg… Is that GMO?

Posted on Jul 7, 2014 | 0 comments

In it’s truest form ‘GMO (genetically modified organism) is an organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques’ (1). Genetic modification involves the transfer of genes from one species of plant or animal to another, using techniques that can cause mutations in the genome that may have unintended consequences for the crop’s safety. FYI – this does not happen in nature. Then we eat it.

90% of corn (maize) grown in the USA is GMO – Genetically Modified Organism!

96% of soybeans grown in the USA is GMO – Genetically Modified Organism!

In genetically modified corn and cotton, a gene from a bacteria called Bt (Bacillus Thuringiensis) is inserted, which causes a pesticidal toxin to be produced in every cell of the plant. This Bt-toxin kills insects that eat the plant by breaking down its gut lining and killing the insect from septicemia caused by the ensuing blood infection (3). Canola is processed from the rapeseed plant, which animals avoid in nature as it is poisonous, then it is GM to ‘help it grow’. This is in what we eat. It is suggested that 60 to 70 percent of the food on USA shelves today contain GMO ingredients.

Interesting that heart disease, obesity, cancer, liver and kidney function disorders, high blood pressure, depression, attention disorders, immune disorders and many other things are at all-time high rates.

Interesting that 64 other countries ban the practice of GMO for human food consumption.

Interesting that the fertility rate is at an all-time low.

Interesting that only 10 (corporations mind you, not farmers) companies own over 82% of the commercial seed market – and yes they are GMO seeds.

But is it good for us?

As an instinctual parent, I am not convinced it is good for us. There are too many health problems arising in our society today that have been linked to GMO food. Nature does not do this to our food so why are we? So I choose to play it safe for now.