Strange roads on the path to health
Sarah Doan | Fulcrum Staff
How far would you go in the name of nutrition? We’ve all heard of the grapefruit diet, Atkins, herbal cleanses, and numerous fitness programs—and tried them with varying levels of success. But have you ever heard of these more unorthodox methods of improving your health? Warning: some of these might leave you feeling a little squeamish.
Maggot therapy
As strange and unsettling as it is to find larvae atop the food in our homes during the summer, maggots have been found to provide a lot of health benefits to humans—especially for those who suffer from infected wounds and burns. The maggots are first disinfected, then placed over the affected area, where they proceed to eat the dead tissue—leaving room for new cells to grow in its place.
Blood sausages
Yep, you read that right, and they’re exactly what they sound like—sausages made from the cooked and congealed blood of various animals, commonly referred to as “black pudding.” Despite their unappetizing appearance, blood sausages are high in protein and low in carbohydrates, and are a great source of both iron and zinc. In the United Kingdom, they are traditionally served with breakfast alongside eggs and toast.
Leeching
Throughout history, these bloodthirsty worms have been used to cleanse the human body of any excess or bad blood. Many often reject or ridicule this type of treatment, but studies have shown that leeches can actually help boost blood circulation in the body—particularly after a skin graft or limb reattachment. It’s theorized that the leeches’ saliva has something that prevents (or at least reduces) the chances of blood clots forming, thus lowering the risk of heart attacks or strokes.
Corn smut
Also called huitlacoche, this pathogenic fungus targets corn products and is the bane of many Mexican farmers’ existence: it causes five to ten per cent of the crop to go to waste. Although this loss may prove problematic for both consumers and producers, there have been several reports claiming this fungus provides several nutritional benefits, one of which includes the production of lysine—the essential amino acid that helps the immune system and bones. While most smut-infested crops are destroyed, some farmers consider the fungus a delicacy and are able to sell huitlacoche-affected corn at a higher price margin.
Remember, we’re journalists, not doctors. Please talk to a medical professional before trying any new health practice.
