posted on Jul, 19 2007 @ 11:36 AM
Excellent topic Grady. There is very little evidence to show that the consumption of the Placenta has any affect at all on the person consuming it.
In fact, in most clinical trials I am aware of there were such variances in the amount of affects that it had on the subjects that results were
inconclusive. However, in some test subjects who consumed a certain molecule found in the amniotic fluid there were variances in the amount of pain
experienced directly after birth, which could lend some credance to its beneficial properties. This could explain why most animals, insects, rodents,
etc. consume and digest the placenta...not only as a means of nourishment, but also as a pain reliever. There is a slight difference in the reasons
for consumption though. On one hand, most creatures are more vulnerable and weaker after they give birth and the placenta provides them with enough
nourishment to regain some of their lost stamina. In humans, we are generally better nourished and don't have many natural predators that will take
advantage of us during our weakend state, so the consumption of the placenta may not have as many beneficial properties.
The consumption of the placenta by the mother is a completely natural thing, and because of the taboo surrounding it's practice in the modern world,
it has all but disappeared. This may be a blessing in disguise though, because as diseases have become more prevalent in humans (particularly viral
diseases) the consumption of the placenta can be seen as an unhealthy way to get nourishment after birth. The reason being is that uncooked placenta
can transmit diseases such as HIV, Hepatitis B and C.