Placentophagy — simply put, it’s the consumption of the placenta. This may be the first time that you have heard about it. It may sound shocking, but it’s actually nothing new. In fact, in so many cultures the placenta is eaten by mothers because of the many health benefits that it is known bring, all of which is backed by science.
If you want to learn more about the consumption of placenta and especially the perks that can be enjoyed because of it, read on. Afterwards, share this article to let everybody you care about also know about this undeniably stomach-turning yet highly beneficial practice.
First things first: if you are planning on consuming your own placenta after giving birth, it’s a good idea for you to speak with your doctor about it. That’s because there are certain risks involved with it. But if done in the right manner, you can benefit tremendously from its consumption, whether you prefer to eat it raw or cooked just like meat.
Women who just gave birth are the ones that are said to benefit the more from the consumption of placenta. It’s for the fact that the placenta actually contains a variety of nutrients that are needed by a woman who just gave birth. Certain hormones are also present, which helps in restoring proper balance of hormones in the body.
The placenta can be eaten raw provided that it’s been handled carefully to keep it from harboring microbes that can put the health of anyone who is going to consume it in danger. But some prefer to cook it — those who have already tried consuming a placenta say that it tastes just like beef.
If the thought of ingesting your own placenta makes you feel sick, worry not because you can actually purchase placenta in capsules these days. In fact, there are some pharmaceutical companies that permit women to hand in their placentas so that they may be turned into capsules, which can then be consumed orally without much trouble.
Let’s now take a look at some of the health benefits to enjoy for consuming placenta, no matter the form:
Reduced Anemia
Anemia is very common in women, especially those who had just given birth because of blood loss. The placenta is actually very rich in iron, which is a mineral necessitated for the production of red blood cells or RBCs. By consuming iron-rich placenta, anemia resulting from childbirth can be resolved very quickly and naturally.
Increased Breast Milk
We all know how good breast milk is for newborns, and that’s why every mother out there should see to it that their babies are getting enough of it. Those who produce very little breast milk may consume placenta — it contains oxytocin, a hormone that encourages milk produced by the breasts to flow efficiently.
Balanced Hormones
The hormones of pregnant women, even after giving birth, are all over the place. It may take a while for the hormones to normalize postpartum, and women have to wait before the nasty symptoms of hormonal imbalance go away. It is said that the consumption of placenta helps speed up the process, thanks to its hormone content.
Reduced Stress
Being a new mother can be very stressful, and the intake of one’s placenta is known to help in that department. Many of those who consume their own placenta affirm that they enjoy lowered stress levels. What’s more, their energy is boosted, too. Many even say that it helped them beat postpartum depression naturally.
There are so many other benefits to enjoy for consuming your placenta. Again, make sure that you ask your doctor about it so that you may avoid some of the risks that may come with it. If the thought consuming your placenta leaves you feeling queasy, then you may simply try taking it in capsule form.
