In the mid-90s, the world witnessed a revolutionary experiment, i.e., genetically modified foods or GMOs. Recently, Bayer acquired Monsanto and has invested in the American GMO industry.
Although this technological advancement has led to major profits for scientists and the synthetic pesticide industry, it has left the ordinary man wondering what the effects of these GMOs are on our bodies and overall health.
Independent researchers have tried to find the answers to such questions. Unfortunately, GMOs do not undergo safety testing beyond three months and plenty of studies are funded by the industries that profit from them.
The Revealing Experiment of One Farmer
The farmer, a close friend of Jeffrey M. Smith, did an experiment using two bags of corn. One was GMO and the other was free of GMO.
The participants were mice. Both bags of corn were attractive for the mice and they didn’t hesitate for a second to take a bite. But, thanks to their palates, they made a conclusion that surprised the farmer.
After several nibbles of the GMO corn, they moved away from it. On the other hand, they enjoyed the non-GMO corn to the fullest.
But, this unusual behavior isn’t the case with mice only. Through time, there have been reports from different animals, including geese, elk, deer, raccoons, geese, chickens, and buffalos with the same behavior.
All of them showed an aversion to GMO corn. So, a question that naturally arises here is why were the animals turning away from GMO corn.
The Science Behind GMO Corn
Most GMO corn today produces Bt toxin which is an insecticide. This toxin is included in the cells of GMO plants and serves as their natural defense mechanism.
When the insects feed on these plants, the Bt toxin can make holes in their guts and eventually kill them. But, this toxin isn’t selective and doesn’t affect only insects but mice and even human cells.
GMO corn may also contain Roundup, an infamous herbicide. It’s been associated with carcinogenic effects in humans. The GMO mysteries don’t stop here. According to some studies, there’s also a risk of potentially dangerous substances inside GMO corn like formaldehyde, Gamma-Zein, and cadaverine.
Cadaverine is a compound linked with the smell of decomposing bodies. Although the farmer’s experiment may not be a controlled clinical study, it raises a red flag.
It makes you think deeply about your food choices and motivates you to listen to your instincts to care better for your well-being and that of your loved ones.
The Potential Risks of GMO Organisms for Humans
The attitude of animals who avoid GMO corn raises a huge question: what are the implications of GMOs for human health?
Here are some possible reasons why GMO organisms could pose a threat to human health and well-being:
- Bt toxin
GMO corn produces a Bt toxin.
Although it’s effective at fighting off pests, it poses a threat to human health. According to studies, it has been found to damage human cells.
- Limited tests on safety
GMOs are problematic because of the lack of safety tests.
Usually, GMO crops are tested for 90 days, which opens up a lot of debate about the potential long-term negative effects.
A large part of these studies is also funded by the GMO industry which ultimately profits from GMOs so there are a lot of concerns about how impartial these studies are.
- Other potentially harmful substances
GMO corn may contain other potentially harmful substances like gamma-zein, formaldehyde, and cadaverine.
While these quantities are small, their presence increases questions about the overall safety of GMOs.
- Roundup & carcinogens
Beyond the Bt toxin, GMO corn is often sprayed with Roundup, a herbicide associated with human cancer.
The possible carcinogenic effects of Roundup have been the cause for an ongoing debate and litigation resulting in concerns about their presence in the food supply.
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