GMO’s: Pros and Cons
When considering sustainable
farming and minimizing impact, it is important to consider the possible costs
and methods of different methods of sustainability. In recent years, one of the
issues being discussed in the headlines is Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO’s)
and the impact they could potentially have on a person’s health. With so many
people saying it is harmful, it is important to evaluate the issue and realize
the possible benefits while acknowledging the cons as well.
Pros:
According to the Center for
Food Safety, GMO seeds are used in 90% of corn, soybeans and cotton grown in
the U.S. Foods are changed genetically for a variety of reasons, including:
-a heightened resistance to
insects, helping to generate healthier crops in general by lowering the risk of
failed crops due to weather and other factors.
- GMO foods also have a
longer shelf life, making it possible for them to be transported to people in
countries who may not have proper nutrition otherwise.
- There are environmental
benefits to GMO foods too, including needing less time, machinery, land and
chemicals to grow, reducing pollution and greenhouse gases.
- There is also increased
nutritional value, as GMO’s contain more mineral and vitamin content.
- The use of GMO’s has
helped to successfully develop a variety of vaccines and proteins from
engineered plants.
Cons:
- There has been a spike in
food allergies in children since the widespread use of GMO foods.
- GMO’s pose allergy risks,
as they combine proteins that were not in the original organism.
- Some GMO’s have antibiotic
qualities that strengthen immunity, but the consumption of these can actually
lessen the impact of actual antibiotics.
Do you think GMO foods are
worth the risk? Why or why not? Be sure to do some research on your own and continue to learn the facts as research on GMO foods continue.
Leave a comment and let us know what you think!
Mixed feelings on GMOs. On one hand I know farmers who are convinced it makes healthier root-stock and does nothing to the fruit or vegetables growing off the roots, and on the other hand their is a distinctly creepy feeling to eating modified food. Too many unknowns about long term use!
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