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The Next Generation Of GMO Foods
Jim Prevor's Perishable Pundit, August 29, 2006 Opponents of genetically modified food have had a
relatively easy job because the benefits to consumers have been very
defused and indirect. Farmers will get better yields which will lead to
lower prices, etc. This is no big deal to most US consumers who already
enjoy cheap food.
But the next generation of GMO products is being engineered to provide
specific health benefits for individuals. Now
Flavonoid-rich tomatoes are being developed for the boost that could
provide better heart health:
“This is the first time that specific fruit has been demonstrated to
reduce human C-reactive protein (CRP) and that transgenic
over-expression of specific
flavonoids
results in a further reduction of this important cardiovascular risk
marker,” wrote lead author Dietrich Rein from
BASF
Plant Science Holding GmbH.
As the company went on to explain:
CRP is produced in the liver and is a known marker for inflammation.
Increased levels of CRP are a good predictor for the onset of both
type-2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
You can see the whole article
here.
Consumers, who have so far been resistant to GMO food — partially out of
fear but mostly because there is no obvious upside — will change their
tune if they learn that the neighbor’s kids are going to be smarter,
taller, stronger or healthier because of their consumption of
genetically enhanced foods.
In the medium run, it will really help the produce industry as these
products roll out. In the long run, the enhanced levels of scientific
knowledge that go along with this work will also help the bakery
industry as we learn to genetically alter flour and grains to provide
the nutritional values people need.
Then consumers could do what they want and eat a seven-layer chocolate
mousse cake and get their flavonoids and other things in fully
digestible form.
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