Tag: Clay

Did you know that you likely consume small amounts of rock every single day? While you can't just pick up a stone and eat it, a surprising number of minerals and rock-derived ingredients are used in our food, beverages, and supplements. Learn what types of rocks can you eat and their important roles.

Reports indicate geophagia is most prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly among pregnant women, but this intentional consumption of earth or soil-like substances occurs globally and is linked to a variety of complex factors. While a global practice, certain geographical areas exhibit significantly higher rates of geophagia due to a complex interplay of environmental, cultural, nutritional, and medicinal factors.

Geophagy, the practice of intentionally eating earthy substances like mud or clay, has been documented in human history since ancient times. Despite this long history and the persistence of the practice in various cultures, the question remains: **How nutritious is mud?** In reality, consuming dirt poses significant health risks that severely outweigh any minimal, poorly absorbed nutrients it might contain.

The practice of eating clay, known as geophagy, has a history spanning over two million years in both human and animal populations. Proponents claim numerous health benefits, but understanding exactly **what does clay do in the body?** reveals a complex picture of unsubstantiated claims and very real, serious health risks, particularly from internal consumption.