This module describes what we know about the benefits of placentophagy for modern, postpartum women. It also delves into the cultural history of human maternal placentophagy, and describes some adaptations of the practice as an evolutionary, adaptive behavior.
Featuring lectures by the Placentophagy Research Team members from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV):
- Sharon Young, Ph.D graduate student at UNLV
- Dr. Daniel Benyshek, Ph.D. Anthropology at UNLV and principal investigator for our research
- Jodi Selander, Director of Placenta Benefits LTD
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this module, you should be able to
- Discuss 4 theories that attempt to explain placentophagy, and the rebuttals for each.
- Present a potential evolutionary purpose for placentophagy.
- Cite 3 reported benefits of human maternal placentophagy, based on research.
- Describe the most popular cultural practice surrounding placenta care.
- Discuss a theory for why humans may have stopped practicing placentophagy.
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