Tag: Geophagia risks

According to the Cleveland Clinic, pica is an eating disorder involving the compulsive consumption of non-food items, with clay being one of the more common cravings. For those with an interest in this phenomenon, understanding what does roasted nakumatt taste like is key to grasping the sensory experience.

Geophagia, the practice of intentionally eating clay or dirt, has existed in various cultures for millennia, often linked to perceived health benefits or cultural traditions. However, modern health experts universally agree that consuming untreated clay poses significant and often severe health risks to the body.

In sub-Saharan Africa, up to 84% of geophagy practitioners in some regions are pregnant women, highlighting the strong cultural drivers behind this behavior. A prominent example of a geophagia is the consumption of kaolin clay, a practice seen in many parts of the world, including West Africa and the rural American South. While often linked to tradition or perceived health benefits, the habit carries significant health risks that are not always well understood.