Do the Chinese eat Placentas?

Question

Do the Chinese eat Placentas?

Answer 1

I'm Chinese and I don't.

There're some Chinese ancient text that praise the medicinal benefit of eating placenta, but it wasn't anywhere closed to be a stable practice or anything. Goat placentas are used in making anti-ageing face cream in New Zealand, they're moderately popular among Chinese elders.

Placentophagy is the act of mammals eating the placenta of their young after childbirth. For humans, (from wikipedia) it is practised mostly in America and Europe, Hawaii and the Pacific Islands.

A lot of mammals eat their placentas after childbirth. Some scientists believe that it's natually occured for the mother to gain nutritions without having to risk leaving the vulnerable children for gathering food.

I remember Tom Cruise said he's going to eat placenta.

Answer 2

Never heard of the Chinese eating placentas but I do know that some Brits do. I remember seeing a show on HBO where some lady in London was having a party to serve her own placenta.

Here's a website in the UK that actually gives out recipes.

http://www.mothers35plus.co.uk/placenta.htm

Answer 3

Women should eat their own placenta. I wouldn't advocate eating other people's placenta though as there is the risk of blood borne diseases. Replenishing iron is common sense. Studies have shown it helps depression & lactaction as well. While there is a chinese tradition for it, very few chinese people do eat it - 10% would be high. I'm chinese and while people know of the tradition, no one i know has ever done it. Some ancient cultures actually have a well developed tradition of post birth rest. Chinese people reserve a month of rest for the mother to help her recover her health. Relatives chip in to help as her body needs to physically recover, rest and psychologically some women are prone to depression. As a woman is weaker after birth she is kept warm as she might be vulnerable to getting a cold which would compound her recovery. We also have a recipe for vinegared eggs, pork knuckles and ginger. This is a restorative food to restore calcium, collagen, protein, boost the immune system, aid in the elimination of bruised blood. Foods categorized as hot are consumed, while foods with cold properties are avoided. Water is avoided as it makes one prone to water retention. All this and eating placenta is just a fraction of our knowledge and customs in post natal care to boost recovery and long term health.

Answer 4

Some people are eating them today, but not all are chinese. They believe that eating Placentas will slow down the process of aging. Frankly, I find the idea quite disgusting.

Answer 5

But of course the whole world knows: the Chinese eat everything that has some kind of biological life - it is a well established fact. I'm surprised at your ignorance; you really should leave home at least once in your lifetime.

Answer 6

In ancient times yes, In modern times such as today, no, no of course not. Its stereotypicall, and sort of racist. Thanks and take care. xoxoxo

Answer 7

No because it's to hard to pick it up with chopsticks

Answer 8

This is crazy talk

Answer 9

Do mermaids eat??????