The Health Benefits of ... Cannibalism

TL;DR

While the idea of cannibalism may be unsettling, there is evidence to suggest that eating human flesh could have nutritional benefits and even aid in disease prevention.

Transcript

This episode of SciShow is supported by Skillshare an online learning community with more than 17,000 classes in design, photo, and more. [♪♩INTRO] You’d think eating your own kind would be a bad idea. I mean, it can be hard enough to survive and reproduce without having to worry about members of your own species taking you out, too. But lots of an... Read More

Key Insights

• 🧑‍🏭 Cannibalism has been observed in various animal species, indicating potential benefits beyond social and morality factors.
• 👨 Human flesh may offer more nutritional value due to its unique profile of proteins, fats, and nutrients.
• ✳️ There are potential risks associated with cannibalism, such as the spread of prion diseases like kuru.
• 👨‍🔬 Research suggests that cannibalism might protect against disease by eliminating disease-causing microbes and reducing population transmission.
• 💊 Modern medicine and other preventive measures are more effective in preventing diseases than cannibalism.
• 💨 There are numerous alternative ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle without resorting to cannibalism.
• 🧑‍⚕️ Online learning communities like Skillshare offer resources for improving various aspects of health and wellness, including exercise and creative pursuits.

Questions & Answers

Q: Is there evidence of cannibalism in human history?

Yes, archaeological evidence suggests that human meat was a part of the ancient Paleo Diet, accounting for up to 10% of protein intake.

Q: Can eating human flesh provide more nutritional value than other types of meat?

Yes, human flesh has a unique profile of proteins, fats, and other nutrients that may be more closely matched to human nutritional needs.

Q: Why can cannibalism spread diseases?

Diseases can be transmitted through cannibalism when the consumed flesh contains misfolded proteins called prions, which are hard for the body to break down and can cause fatal brain diseases.

Q: Can cannibalism actually protect against disease?

According to a review paper, cannibalism can eliminate some disease-causing microbes, thereby reducing the spread of certain pathogens. However, it does not apply to prion diseases.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Cannibalism has been practiced in various animal species, suggesting potential benefits to this behavior.

• Human flesh might have more nutritional value than other types of meat, making it the most nutritious choice for humans.

• However, cannibalism can also spread diseases, such as prion diseases like kuru.