(the act of eating the placenta) is an old tribal practice that is currently undergoing a revival in the Western World.
After all, for many mammals, the consumption of placentas placentophagy
, as researchers call it has been going on for as long as there have been placentas.
supporters may point to the fact that we did see evidence that many of the hormones detected in the placenta capsules were modestly elevated in the placenta group moms," Prof.
Lead author Dr Sharon Young said while the study did not provide firm support for or against the claims about the benefits of placentophagy
, it did shed light on this much-debated topic by providing the first results from a clinical trial specifically testing the impact of placenta supplements on post-partum hormones, mood, and energy.
Perspectives from Patients and Healthcare Providers on the Practice of Maternal Placentophagy
. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.
The practice of consuming the placenta - placentophagy
- is common in the animal kingdom but not among humans, who often have other food available and do not need to hide evidence of childbirth from predators.
Eating your placenta - known as placentophagy
- is traditionally accepted as beneficial in many cultures, including the Chinese.
, the act of eating one's placenta after giving birth, is fairly common in the animal world.
A review of 10 studies on placentophagy
in humans and other mammals did not find any scientific evidence to back up claims that eating the placenta either raw, cooked or encapsulated offers protection against post-natal depression.
Like most mammals, goats engage in placentophagy
, or eating the placenta.
Eating placenta, or the afterbirth, is called placentophagy
. The century-old practice is said to be considered as a "superfood" for its (http://www.euphoricbirth.com/2014/12/29/hiring-placenta-specialist/) ability to aid in pregnancy recovery, a reduced risk of postpartum depression and increased energy, among other potential health benefits.
One placenta encapsulator, who wanted to remain unnamed and who works across Merseyside said: "Eating your own placenta - or placentophagy
- is undergoing a small revival in Western cultures.