Irradiated Foods Cause Neurological Damage
Scientists from the University of Wisconsin-Madison have published a report about cats developing severe neurological symptoms because of a degradation of myelin (the fatty insulator of nerve fibers). Myelin facilitates the conduction of nerve signals so when it is damaged there can be impairments depending on what particular nerves are affected.
Wondering what caused the cats to develop neurological problems? The cats were fine until they were fed irradiated food. Also, when they were taken off the irradiated diet, their nervous systems improved.
The study was conducted because the researchers were faced with reports of a mysterious illness in pregnant cats. A commercial company had been testing various diets on the animals to see how the food impacted growth and development in the felines. The food used had been irradiated. Irradiation involves exposing foods to a radiant energy source to kill bacteria.
The finding is important because it shows the central nervous system retains the ability to reestablish myelin.
Interestingly enough though…the scientists were quick to dismiss a possible connection between people, irradiated food and health risk.
Not everyone agrees irradiated food is fine for humans or animals. According to the Center for Food Safety, studies have shown irradiation produces volatile toxic chemicals such as benzene and toluene, which are known or suspected to cause cancer and birth defects.
