In light of the recent controversy surrounding CNN reporter Reza Aslan eating a human brain on camera, many questions have been raised about the nature of the practice of cannibalism.
Cannibalism can be traced back millions of years, when it was practiced for nutritional reasons. Today, mostly ritualistic cannibalism is practiced by different tribes around the world. From ancient tribes that practice cannibalism to Hannibal Lecter in popular media, as horrifying and nauseating it might be, we seem to have an odd fascination with cannibalism. But let’s shed some light on what the practice entails:
1. What happens if you eat human flesh?
Bad things. Eating human flesh contains the risk of developing Kuru, a disease which affects the brain and nervous system. The human equivalent to Mad Cow disease, eating human flesh with an infected protein or prion can cause brain deterioration, loss of motor control, and finally death. Many tribes ceased practising ritualistic cannibalism because many people were being infected with and dying from the disease.
Even if Kuru wasn’t a risk, cannibalism still isn’t healthy for the body. An autopsy done on a famous French cannibal from the 18th century revealed that his body was filled with pus, ulcers, and an abnormally large stomach, liver, and gallbladder.
2. What part of the human body should you eat?
While cannibalism isn’t socially acceptable, there has been a recent focus on placentophagy, where women eat their own placentas after childbirth. While there is some contention about whether or not placentophagy can actually be considered a form of cannibalism, advocates of this practice claim that consuming the placenta after childbirth can reduce post-partum depression, shrink the uterus, aid in breast feeding, and increase the health of the mother overall.
Mothers can have a doula or professional placenta-preparer dry and prepare their placentas in small capsules, or cook the body part such as turning it into a soup. However, while many mammals eat their own placenta for nutrition, humans do not have the same need as they can rebuild their bodies through vitamins and regular food. Not a lot of research has been done in this area and the scientific basis for the nutritional value of eating placenta remains unsubstantiated.
Nutrition wise, eating either the brain or muscles would probably provide you with the most benefits. The brain is high in fat and glucose which would provide slow-burning energy. However, consuming the brain adds the risk of contracting Kuru as it is high in concentration with prions. The muscles on the other hand are high in protein.
3. Is eating human flesh acceptable?
Is eating human legal? Technically, yes. Surprisingly, there isn’t a specific law against cannibalism. Most people that engage in cannibalism are charged with murder, desecration of corpses, or necrophilia. Considering that most victims consent to being eaten, cannibalism can be a difficult thing to charge offenders with. Armin Meiwes, a German citizen, is currently serving a life sentence for the murder and consumption of his victim. The victim responded to an ad Meiwes posted online which stated “looking for a well-built 18 to 30-year-old to be slaughtered and then consumed.”
But is cannibalism acceptable? The answer is a resounding no.
4. Why do people eat other people?
Most people who eat humans today engage in ritualistic or survival cannibalism. However, aside from these two types of cannibalism, no one is really sure why it occurs. Cannibalism isn’t categorized as a psychotic ailment, but some psychologists speculate it might be a result of childhood trauma. This trauma could be developed through separation anxiety from the mother, resulting in oral aggression. Other theories suggest it could be associated with criminals and perpetrators suffering from schizophrenia.
5. What does human taste like?
Apparently pork. According to several sources, human flesh tastes similar to pork. German serial killers in the 1920s sold human meat on the black market labelled as pork. Miewes claims that “The flesh tastes like pork, a little bit more bitter, stronger. It tastes quite good.”