This is the terrible word "genetics"Genetically modifiedGenetically modified, remember how onIn biology lessons at school, they explained to us that genes are responsible for certain characteristics of plants or animals. "Remove" the gene - the trait itself will disappear. And if the organism's th code changes for some reason, it is called a mutation. In fact, all the organisms that surround us now are the result of mutation. New species of plants, animals that differ from their ancient ancestors of dinosaurs - all these are the strongest fighting for survival for millennia. Those whose genetic code is most suitable for existence on earth. But if nature needs more than a dozen centuries to form a new species, then modern science needs a few years. The flourishing of genetic engineering came at the end of the 20th century. In 1982, scientists conducted an experiment to change the genetic code of tobacco. And the first genetically modified food product was the tomato, which was "deprived" of the ripening gene. The new species can be stored for months at a temperature of 12 degrees and in a few hours it becomes ripe in the heat. The result of the following experiments were corn and pears, which release their own poison against insect pests, potatoes, which absorb a minimum of fat during frying, and about a hundred more "improved" crops. Russian scientists have developed a genetically modified potato, which enhances immunity due to the human blood interferon it contains. And sheep, whose milk contains rennet. Only 200 animals of the "new sample" are able to provide the whole of Russia with cheese. “Natural” selection or unexploded bomb? Humanity does not yet know the final answer to this question. Are GMFs capable of provoking allergic reactions, is the resistance to antibiotics a consequence of the use of genetically modified foods, and how to "negotiate" with nature that maintains the natural ecological balance? To date, there is no unequivocal evidence of the harm of GMF for humans, which, however, does not mean the opposite. Proponents of the development of genetic engineering claim that artificially bred plants are much cleaner from an environmental point of view than natural ones grown on pesticides and fertilizers. While advocating the ubiquitous spread of GMF, geneticists make a compelling case. Scientists predict that by the end of this century, the number of people living on earth may double. How will the people of the future earn their food if a number of countries and regions are already starving? The answer is simple: genetic engineering is a very affordable way to feed humanity. If you don't eat GMF, will you become a kid? The main arguments of the opponents are as follows. Short-term tests are not able to display the full range of consequences of the use of the GMF. Negative influence can occur only after a long time. The loss of the gene pool is one of the main reasons for the rejection of genetic experiments. For example, it is believed that there is no place on earth where the crops of maize would not be contaminated with genetically modified plants. Other views await the same fate. To eat or not to eat - everyone decides for himself. Public opinion is opposed to modified products, the demand for them is falling, and some food producers are “shouting” about their “genetic purity”. And to be honest, there are practically no people who have never touched the GMF in their lives. This is evidenced at least by the fact that today about 120 names of genetically modified products are registered in Russia, but food manufacturers do not report the presence of modified components either, of course, in advertising or on the packaging of goods. Meat and dairy products, vegetables, etc. sometimes contain more than 80 percent of transgenes, but there is no law that would oblige manufacturers to label goods in a special way. If you are afraid of running into the GMF, do not buy: meat semi-finished products (they often include modified soybean), broiler chickens (they are “fed” with growth hormones), unnaturally smooth and beautiful vegetables, fast food restaurants, corn. Organic food - a return to basics Having seen trays of cucumbers or kefir bags marked with pleasant “eco-friendly”, “made from natural raw materials”, “bio”, etc. on the supermarket counter, we naturally pay attention to this. And although the goods with the "tag" is much more expensive, the hands themselves remove them from the shelf and put them in the cart. The fashion for healthy eating has come to Russia. We realized that the diet should consist of natural and environmentally friendly products. But how much the quality of the content corresponds to the inscriptions on the package, and on what basis the manufacturer puts the labeling is unknown. Ecological food - what is it? In the West, there is the concept of "organic food" - organic, natural food. But the Russian market for organic food is the same innovation as genetically modified products. Saying “environmentally friendly, organic product”, we mean that it is not harmful to the human body, that vegetables do not contain nitrates, sausage and ham are carcinogens, yogurts and cottage cheese are artificial color enhancers and preservatives. And there are more vitamins, minerals and biologically active substances in them than in traditional ones. Therefore, “organic food” is a source of health, energy and vigor.Advertising usually pays attention toproducts produced in ecologically clean areas, without the use of pesticides and other inorganic fertilizers. In addition, any additional ingredients (fillings, fillers, dyes), without which it is simply impossible to do in production, must be natural. Although they are much more expensive than artificial, unstable to temperature fluctuations, their capabilities are limited. That is why it is more profitable for a mass producer to use artificial additives. The widest choice of organic, natural food products is presented today in the USA. Movie stars and top models, popular TV presenters and economic magnates publicly declare their love for environmentally friendly products. Several giant supermarket chains, a large number of farms provide “organic food” for everyone. In our country, this ecological food is not enough. Of course, we can assume that everything that is grown in the fields of the Russian hinterlands is “organic food”. Healthy, natural, environmentally friendly call a variety of products. But they do not pass any special checks. Apparently, the problem also lies in the fact that the concept of "environmentally friendly" is not legally fixed by anyone. When independent organizations check products for the absence of harmful chemicals, when a certificate and a special sign on the product label guarantee "cleanliness", then the ranks of supporters of organic food will grow. It will be sold in pharmacies, fitness centers, specialized supermarkets. If you want to introduce into the diet ecological products today, choose: not canned vegetables of a “natural” type; fresh meat; seasonal fruit; cereals and unpolished rice.

Comments

comments