Increasingly, on the shelves of shops and supermarkets, you can see bottles, jars and boxes with the inscriptions: “GMO-free”, “does not contain genetically modified organisms” or “GMO free”. Similar stickers can be found on fruits and vegetables. What are genetically modified organisms, how do they affect humans, why are they bred, and are they as scary as the media screams?
A GMO is a plant or animal in which a gene from another plant, usually related in kind, has been introduced into its genome.
This is done to give the plants any useful properties: increased yield, resistance to pests, weeds or drought, in some cases to improve taste.
Genetically modified foods are tested for biological and nutritional safety. The synthesis of genetically modified products is prohibited on the territory of the Russian Federation, however, their import into our country is free. Currently, there are about 50 species of genetically modified plants, mainly cereals, fruits and vegetables.
Speaking about the benefits of genetically modified products, only economic benefits can be noted, that is, thanks to the development of genetic engineers, you can get a huge harvest from small areas, save on herbicides, since the plants are resistant to pests, there is no loss of plants in dry summers, etc.
The benefits for human health are as follows: the absence of repeated treatment with pesticides will reduce the number of people suffering from allergies and immune diseases.
According to the media, the use of genetically modified products will lead to the development of infertility, various tumors, and oncological diseases due to the fact that plant genes are embedded in our DNA chain. Of course, this is utter nonsense, since the human gene pool is formed at conception and does not change during life. But these products are still capable of harming us, first of all, provoking persistent allergies and disruption in the functioning of the immune system, slowing down metabolism or causing tolerance to antibiotics. Due to the fact that genetically modified plants can accumulate herbicides, which subsequently enter the human body, health deterioration, a decrease in life expectancy or the development of various neoplasms is quite possible.
Everyone decides whether or not to buy GMO products, but most independent experts strongly recommend protecting children from such products.
