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9 Far-Reaching Advantages and Disadvantages of GMOs

navajocodetalkersadmin on June 18, 2015 - 4:18 pm in Pros and Cons

Genetically modified organisms, more commonly referred to as GMOs, are plants, animals, or humans that whose DNA and genes are scientifically altered to obtain specific results. The most common reference to GMOs today is in our food, mostly because this is the most likely place that you will find them. In fact, nearly 80 percent of vegetables, fruits, and process foods contain genetically modified organisms in the United States. The true effect of these altered foods have not been fully studied, which is causing a debate to arise that is molding the way that we look at food. There are definitely some benefits to utilizing GMOs, but what are the consequences?

Advantages of GMOs

1. More Nutritious Food
One of the biggest advantages that GMOs have to offer for their consumers is that scientists have managed to boost the vitamin and mineral contents far beyond their normal ranges. They have even managed to put new vitamins into crops that would not normally have them, the best example of this is Golden rice.

2. Lower Prices
Another great benefit to genetically modified food is that they can be designed to grow faster and more abundantly. The bigger harvests translate into lower prices for the consumers and in the supermarkets.

3. Longer Shelf Life
Everyone has the issue of their produce going bad only a couple of days after they have purchased it and before they even get the chance to eat it. With GMO foods, longer shelf lives are one of their core characteristics. This would mean a much lower amount of food waste in homes and supermarkets.

4. Sustainable Food Supply
GMO crops can grow in very harsh conditions, and even in soil that wouldn’t normally be fit to grow food. This paired with the fact that they can grow faster and more abundantly makes genetically modified organisms the best bet for helping to solve the world hunger problems that plague countries and areas all over the globe.

5. Less Insecticides Used
Scientists have managed to put pest resistant properties directly into the plant themselves, certain chemicals that are toxic to them are placed directly into their DNA. This has helped farmers dramatically cut back on the amount of chemical pesticides that they use on their crops.

Disadvantages of GMOs

1. An Increase In Allergies
The amount of food allergies, specifically in children, has increased significantly since the main stream introduction of GMOs. This is the most debated topic of genetically modified foods. Their consumption has not yet been studied thoroughly.

2. Damaging Ecosystems
Altering the genes of natural plants will eventually tamper with the entire ecosystem. The pesticides that are placed in the DNA of some plants can easily spread and be given to negative plants such as weeds.

3. New Diseases
Another large fear of the consumption and use of GMOs is the risk that it will begin to alter the DNA of those consuming it. This cold spur on new diseases that we are not equipped or prepared to treat or cure.

4. Not Fully Understood
One of the biggest arguments that critics of genetically modified organisms use is the lack of research and long term studies that have been conducted. It is almost impossible to truly understand the extent of effects that these GMOs could have on the environment, plants, insects, animals, and especially humans.

Important Facts About GMOs

  • GMOs have recently popped back up in the news because of the fight for labeling on foods that contain GMOS, which currently does not happen.
  • The first commercially available, genetically modified food was the Flavr Savr Tomato.
  • 80 percent of all processed food in the United States contains GMOs.
  • Soy and corn are the two most common crops that are genetically modified.
  • The seeds are the actual parts of the crop that are modified.
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