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Category: Geophagy

Explore our comprehensive collection of health articles in this category.

Does Soil Have Any Nutritional Value for Humans?

4 min read
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), it can take hundreds to thousands of years to form a single centimeter of soil. While this rich, life-sustaining medium is crucial for growing nutritious food, the question remains: does soil have any nutritional value for direct human consumption, and is it safe to eat?

What Happens If We Eat Mud Daily?

4 min read
According to a 2017 study in South Africa, 54% of pregnant women surveyed experienced geophagy, with a large majority eating over three teaspoons of soil daily. This widespread craving for non-food items like mud, known as pica, can have serious and cumulative health consequences for both the individual and, in the case of pregnancy, the developing fetus.

The Real Effects of Eating Clay on Your Body

4 min read
According to studies, geophagy—the practice of eating earth—is found in cultures around the world and has been documented for centuries. Despite its prevalence, consistently eating clay can have serious, negative health effects on your body, posing risks that far outweigh any purported benefits.

Is Red Clay Edible? The Risks and Potential Benefits Explained

4 min read
The practice of eating earthy materials, known as geophagy, is documented across cultures and history, with a 2017 study revealing that a significant number of pregnant women in South Africa reported this behavior. This widespread phenomenon leads many to wonder: is red clay edible? While some commercial products are marketed as food-grade, the safety of consuming clay is highly dependent on its source and requires a serious consideration of potential health risks.

Does Mud Have Any Nutritional Value?

4 min read
According to a review of geophagy, the eating of earth has been documented on every inhabited continent. However, the practice of consuming mud for nutritional purposes is highly dangerous and does not provide beneficial nutritional value to humans, despite some anecdotal claims.

What Does Edible Clay Do to Your Body? The Risks vs. Rewards

4 min read
The practice of eating clay, known as geophagy, has been documented across human cultures and animal species for centuries. Proponents claim several health benefits, yet it is a practice fraught with significant risks. This article explores what edible clay does to your body, separating the potential advantages from the proven dangers.

What Type of Clay Is Edible? Exploring the Types and Risks

5 min read
According to ancient texts and modern cultural practices, geophagy—the practice of eating earth or clay—has been part of human tradition for thousands of years. In cultures worldwide, certain clays are ingested, often for perceived health benefits, sparking the question: what type of clay is edible?.