miércoles, 30 de noviembre de 2011

Biology of organic foods

Genetically engineered food is food which is enhanced by the addition of genes from different species to make them better. Genes are, in the most basic interpretation, codes that are responsible for certain characteristics, the production of certain enzymes or to create a certain appearance, and in the case of genetically engineered food the genes are often put in place to create enhanced versions of regular food. Since it is quite a costly process to develop, genetically engineered food is patented by large corporations that are responsible for their research and development.A study has reveled that in certain strains of genetically modified corn such as MON 810 and MON 863 which are genetically modified corn strains that are resistant to pests and is fortified to withstand weed killer has disrupted the chemistry of the blood of rats that were fed with these strains of genetically modified corn. Other negative symptoms also have been associated with the rats that were fed wi th genetically modified corn and certain types of maize, for instance, unusual amounts of hormones were found in the blood and urine samples of the rats under the experiments, scientists are thus suggesting such abnormal amounts of hormones may impair kidney and liver function in the long run by consuming genetically modified corn and maize. The female rats that were fed with the genetically modified corn strain of MON 863 had a higher blood sugar levels and raised level of cholesterol known as triglycerides, and both of these symptoms are precursors to diabetes and heart disease.Though there is still no veritable proof of the toxicity associated with genetically modified corn and its produce, the findings of the experiments do prove that they do have some effect and changes in the overall functions of the bodies of the rats who were apart of the experiments, thus researchers are implying that the same effects are a possibility in humans as well not to mention Biology of organic foods.The major disadvantage is the speculation that these pesticides and resilient genes can pass on to consumers to create u desirable conditions for them such as allergies, diseases and cancer. Though any of these effects are yet to be proven or actually reported, genetically engineered food continues to stock up super market aisles and to be purchased over natural foods. Nowadays, over 65 percent of food items are genetically engineered food or made with popular genetically enhanced components such as corn, rapeseed (canola) or soy. Even though reports exist that laboratory animals that have been fed genetically engineered food have suffered considerable organ damage and illnesses, humans are apparently immune to these effects. But the speculation hasn?t died that it may affect the future generations and their genetic makeup.

Such studies have reinforced the theory that the benef its of organic food are not a mere perception and it is in fact far superior to conventional food that depends on chemical fertilizers and pesticides. The fact being that non organic food are more susceptible to be contaminated with chemical fertilizers and pesticides and more sustainable methods are overall better for ones health as well as for the environment. There again there is another school of thought that says that organic foods are harmful and the benefits of organic food do not outweigh conventional food stuff and is unsuitable for consumption as they do not use strong fertilizer and pesticides which could result in a possibility that the food could be contaminated with harmful bacteria and parasites, despite the debate by both parties any strong or harmful impact on the health is unfounded. However the benefits of organic food is widely gaining ground and many consumers believe that organic foods have the ability to promote good health due to the lack of chemic al additives and that the flavor of the food is far superior to non organic food, and definitely the more eco friendly option.

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