Tag: Placentophagy

While the placenta functions as a vital organ for delivering nutrients and oxygen to a fetus during pregnancy, scientific studies have found no proven health benefits for mothers consuming it postpartum. The question, 'Is there any nutritional value in the placenta?' is best answered by separating anecdotal claims from evidence-based research on the topic.

While almost all other mammalian species consume their placentas after giving birth, humans are a notable exception, with the practice being rare throughout history. Despite this, a growing number of new mothers in Western cultures are opting for placentophagy, raising the question: **Why do people eat raw placenta?**

Over 70% of mothers who consume their placenta do so via encapsulation, believing it offers significant health benefits for postpartum recovery. This practice, however, lacks strong scientific support, and medical experts often advise against it, raising a critical question: **What are the benefits of placenta supplements?**

While the practice of placentophagy has gained some celebrity endorsement, a single human placenta weighing 450 grams contains an average of 234 calories, not a significant caloric addition to the postpartum diet. This controversial dietary practice raises important questions about its actual nutritional value and safety, especially concerning its calorie count and other purported benefits.