I recently had a baby and someone mentioned that you can eat the placenta. I guess it is possible to eat pretty much anything. I read about a guy who could eat a TV set, so a placenta would be a walk in the park for him.
What I'm wondering is if this would be cannibalism or not? Is there a proper definition for cannibalism that excludes people that bite their fingernails, but includes the people that continue to eat the fingers? Or perhaps you’re not a cannibal as long as you only eat your own body parts? So many questions. Perhaps this will end up a whole new subcategory in Yahoo answers?
But my actual question is still whether you are a cannibal or not if you eat the placenta. And since I posted this in a Food related subsection, please recommend possible recipes regardless of legal status.
2006-07-13 12:27:05 · 19 answers · asked by Mikael Svanstrom 2 in Food & Drink ➔ Ethnic Cuisine
EEEWWWW!!!!! THIS IS SO GROSS!!!!!
Why would you want to do this? You could eat just about anything but that does NOT mean it's a good idea! I doubt it would be considered cannibalism any more than eating poop - it's just something your body created and then cast off when it was no longer needed. But it's DISGUSTING! It was not created to be eaten!
Cannibalism is the act or practice of eating members of one's own species and usually refers to humans eating other humans (sometimes called anthropophagy) though it sometimes means 'to scavenge' (ie to cannibalize spare parts means to scavenge for spare parts). Cannibalism has been attributed to many different tribes and ethnicities in the past, but the degree to which it has actually occurred and been socially sanctioned is an extremely controversial topic in anthropology, owing to the extreme taboo against its practice in most cultures. Some anthropologists argue that cannibalism has been almost non-existent and view claims of cannibalism with extreme skepticism, while others argue that the practice was common in pre-state societies.
2006-07-13 12:34:04 · answer #1 · answered by curiouschick18 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
For wild mammals, eating the placenta is a survival instinct. The newborn young have very little odor or scent, but the strong meaty blood smell of the placenta attracts predators, and carrion eaters if left to rot. The placenta is iron-rich, and is nutritious. Many women are iron deficient from bleeding after birth.
There is no reason, other than cultural distaste, not to eat it.
As for cannibalism, I consider cannibalism to occur when a significant portion of the trunk, internal organs, or appendage of a human is consumed. The thickened skin around the fingernails is mostly dead, and is not significant. The placenta is not an organ- it is the by-product of the birthing process. So, no, I would not consider it cannibalism to consume. As for recipes... sorry, can't help you there. But you can do a search on which cultures consider it normal practice and see how theirs are consumed.
2006-07-13 21:27:26 · answer #2 · answered by Hauntedfox 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I don't know if it's considered cannibalism or not but I've heard in many countries, it is quite common for a mother and/or father to eat the placenta of their newborn. I personally find it disgusting. I think it would make much more sense to store it to show the kid later. (If storage is possible)
2006-07-13 21:53:45 · answer #3 · answered by skaur1290 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it is only cannibalism if you eat parts of people that they need. If you're going to dispose of it, then it doesn't matter. If I cut off your foot and eat it and it was a good foot, then I am a cannibal. If your foot was scheduled to be amputated anyway, then I am not.
2006-07-13 19:33:43 · answer #4 · answered by bigpackageband 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes it would be considered cannibalism in a proper world. But it is part of some beliefs
2006-07-13 19:31:30 · answer #5 · answered by funkyfresh 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is just plain stupid! While cannibalism is not an issue here, ethics and lack of good common sense.
2006-07-13 19:31:51 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Animals eat the placenta to gain their stregnth faster. (and to disguise the fact that a newborn is present) Humand KNOW how to gain their stregnth back. How about a boneless, skinless chicken breast INSTEAD!
2006-07-13 19:44:54 · answer #7 · answered by Titzen_Ash_23 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
it's utterly disgusting and cannibalistic!i'm sure u're a sensible enough person not to do that.and as far as iron deficiencies go,there's always iron supplements on the market.loads of it..and much more hygienic
2006-07-17 09:42:52 · answer #8 · answered by pyrophelia 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yeah that would be cannibalism. I wouldn't recommend it.
2006-07-13 20:13:30 · answer #9 · answered by Cyn90 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yea its a tradition in some countries..but ewwww why would you want to do that??? UGH spit spit
Well you could roll it in flour and deep fry it like fried zuchini
2006-07-13 19:30:44 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋