Our investigations also review how to identify these GMOs from the normal organic foods. These distinctions can be in terms of the colour, outer lining, size and taste of such foods which are mostly vegetables and fruits.
A shop owner at lekki in Lagos, who wanted to remain anonymous, told our reporter: "It is not difficult distinguishing genetically modified foods from the normal foods. The colour of GMO foods are often more brilliant and attractive, their outer lining is thicker their size is more than the normal size. If you see an orange or an apple or a cucumber that is much bigger in size than the normal ones you have, then know it is a GMO food. Also, GMO foods are not as tasty as normal foods and the fruits among them do not usually have seeds inside of them."
Genetically modified foods have come under serious attacks and condemnations by various research scientists who say they are capable of causing chronic diseases in the body. Below are some research result of GMO foods.
1. Multiple Toxins From GMOs Detected In Maternal and Fetal Blood
Research from Canada (the first of its
kind) has successfully identified the presence of pesticides -associated
with genetically modified foods in maternal, fetal and non-pregnant
women’s blood. They also found the presence of Monsanto’s Bt toxin. The
study was published in the Journal Reproductive Toxicology in 2011.
2. DNA From Genetically Modified Crops Can Be Transferred Into Humans Who Eat Them
In a new study published in the peer reviewed Public Library of Science (PLOS),
researchersemphasize that there is sufficient evidence that
meal-derived DNA fragments carry complete genes that can enter into the
human circulation system through an unknown mechanism.(2)
In one of the blood samples the relative
concentration of plant DNA is higher than the human DNA. The study was
based on the analysis of over 1000 human samples from four independent
studies. PLOS is an open access, well respected peer-reviewed
scientific journal that covers primary research from disciplines within
science and medicine. It’s great to see this study published in it,
confirming what many have been suspected for years.
“Our bloodstream is considered to be an environment well separated from the outside world and the digestive tract. According to the standard paradigm large macromolecules consumed with food cannot pass directly to the circulatory system. During digestion proteins and DNA are thought to be degraded into small constituents, amino acids and nucleic acids, respectively, and then absorbed by a complex active process and distributed to various parts of the body through the circulation system. Here, based on the analysis of over 1000 human samples from four independent studies, we report evidence that meal-derived DNA fragments which are large enough to carry complete genes can avoid degradation and through an unknown mechanism enter the human circulation system. In one of the blood samples the relative concentration of plant DNA is higher than the human DNA. The plant DNA concentration shows a surprisingly precise log-normal distribution in the plasma samples while non-plasma (cord blood) control sample was found to be free of plant DNA.” (2)
This still doesn’t mean that GMOs can
enter into our cells, but given the fact GMOs have been linked to cancer
(later in this article) it is safe to assume it is indeed a
possibility. The bottom line is that we don’t know, and this study
demonstrates another cause for concern.
3. New Study Links GMOs To Gluten Disorders That Affect 18 Million Americans
This study was recently released by the
Institute for Responsible Technology (IRT), and uses data from the US
department of Agriculture, US Environmental Protection Agency, medical
journal reviews as well as other independent research. (3)(4)
The authors relate GM foods to five conditions that may either trigger
or exacerbate gluten-related disorders, including the autoimmune
disorder, Celiac Disease:
- Intestinal permeability
- Imbalanced gut bacteria
- Immune activation and allergic response
- Impaired digestion
- Damage to the intestinal wall
The Institute for Responsible technology
is a world leader in educating policy makers and the public about GMO
foods and crops. The institute reports and investigates on the impact GM
foods can have on health, environment, agriculture and more.
4. Study Links Genetically Modified Corn to Rat Tumors
In November 2012, The Journal of Food and Chemical Toxicology published a paper titled ‘Long term toxicity of a Roundup herbicide and a Roundup-tolerant genetically modified maize’ by Gilles-Eric Seralini and his team of researchers at France’s Caen University. (5)
It was a very significant study, which
obviously looks bad for the big bio tech companies like Monsanto, being
the first and only long term study under controlled conditions examining
the possible effects of a diet of GMO maize treated with Monsanto
roundup herbicide.
This study has since been retracted,
which is odd, because the journal it was published in is a very well
known, reputable peer reviewed scientific journal. In order for a study
to be published here it has to go through a rigorous review process.
It’s also important to note that
hundreds of scientists from around the world have condemned the
retraction of the study. This study was done by experts, and a
correlation between GMOs and these tumors can’t be denied, something
happened.
The multiple criticisms of the study
have also been answered by the team of researchers that conducted the
study. You can read them and find out more about the study here.
GM Crop Production is Lowering US Yields and Increasing Pesticide Use
5. Glyphosate Induces Human Breast Cancer Cells Growth via Estrogen Receptors
A study is published in the US National Library of Medicine (4) and will soon be published in the journal Food and Chemical Toxicology. Several
recent studies showed glyphosate’s potential to be an endocrine
disruptor. Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that can interfere with
the hormone system in mammals. These disruptors can cause developmental
disorders, birth defects and cancer tumors. (6)
Glyphosate exerted proliferative effects only in human hormone-dependent breast cancer. We found that glyphosate exhibited a weaker estrogenic activity than estradiol. Furthermore, this study demonstrated the additive estrogenic effects of glyphosate and genisein which implied that the use of contaminated soybean products as dietary supplements may pose a risk of breast cancer because of their potential additive estrogenicity. (6)
Researchers also determined that
Monsanto’s roundup is considered an “xenoestrogen,” which is a foreign
estrogen that mimics real estrogen in our bodies. This can cause a
number of problems that include an increased risk of various cancers,
early onset of puberty, thyroid issues, infertility and more.
So, when next you want to buy that orange, apple, water-melon, cucumber or any other kind of fruits and vegetables in a super market, be sure to look very carefully before you buy.
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