In a recent article, The San Francisco Chronicle sheds light on a select few people who choose to eat human placenta. Recently, members of the The San Francisco Food Adventure club had the opportunity to taste human placenta at a club gathering. To prepare it, the placenta was soaked in a soy sauce marinade, then wrapped with water chestnuts in bacon, skewered and broiled.
Throughout time, people from various cultures have eaten the placenta, citing a mix of spiritual and medicinal purposes. The Moroccans and the Jamaicans are among the most frequent consumers. In modern times, many claim the placenta eases postpartum depression because it is rich in iron and other hormones. Famous San Francisco chef Daniel Patterson of Coi publicized placenta eating when he spoke about cooking his wife's earlier this year (he hoped to ease her postpartum depression).
According to the article, fewer than 3 in every 6,000 new mothers actually bring home the placenta.
Would you ever consider eating placenta? Why or why not?
Note: the picture above does not feature placenta.
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Comments
May 31, 2011
I am an acupuncturist and herbalist and I prepare placentas for new moms quite frequently. I am glad to see that placenta is getting more attention for it's medicinal value. I prepare the placenta in capsules to make it easy for new moms to take. In my experience, I find it increases metabolism, helps nourish the blood and brain and helps stop post partum bleeding and pain. Kinda like a miracle herb! :)