In many civilisations, such as China, Vietnam, Indonesia, Mexico, and the African continent, people drink animal blood as part of sacred rituals or believing it is beneficial for health. In reality, however, it is extremely dangerous for their health.” In the past, some criminal gangs in India drank animal blood( myth, folklore, or urban legend), often donkey blood, before carrying out raids. They believed it would give them energy and help them run fast to escape if anyone chased them. They thought donkey blood gave them extra strength, but it has dangerous side effects: if they didn’t run after consuming it, it could cause blood clotting and even death. However, the true reasons behind fatalities from drinking blood are more complex
Countries and Cultures with Animal Blood Consumption Practices
1. Vietnam
- Tiết Canh: A traditional dish made from raw animal blood (commonly duck or pig), mixed with fish sauce and herbs, then allowed to congeal into a jelly-like texture. It’s often served with cooked meat and is considered a delicacy in some regions. Wikipedia
- Snake Blood and Bile: In certain parts of Vietnam, especially in Hanoi, it’s customary to consume snake blood mixed with rice wine, sometimes alongside the still-beating heart of the snake. This practice is believed to have medicinal properties.
- Rượu Thuốc (Medicinal Alcohol): This is a type of Vietnamese liquor infused with various animals, including snakes, scorpions, and geckos. It’s consumed for its purported health benefits. Wikipedia
2. Kenya & Tanzania – Maasai People
- Blood and Milk: The Maasai people traditionally mix cow’s blood with milk, creating a nutritious drink consumed during rituals and daily life.
3. South Sudan – Mundari People
- Direct Blood Consumption: The Mundari people drink cow’s blood directly from the animal, especially during ceremonies and celebrations.
4. Ethiopia – Nyangatom & Bume Tribes
- Blood and Milk Mixture: These tribes consume a mixture of cow’s blood and milk, often during special occasions and rituals.
5. Uganda – Karamojong People
- Ekyalakanu: A traditional dish made by mixing raw cow’s blood with milk, consumed during special events like marriages and successful hunts.
6. Nepal – Sherpa & Other Himalayan Communities
- Yak Blood: Some Himalayan communities, including the Sherpas, consume raw or cooked yak blood, believing it has medicinal properties.
7. China
- Blood Dishes: In certain regions, dishes made with animal blood, such as blood tofu, are traditional and believed to have health benefits.
8. Mexico
- Moronga: A type of blood sausage made from pig’s blood, considered a delicacy in some regions.
9. Brazil
- Cabidela: A dish made by stewing chicken or rabbit with its blood, commonly consumed in rural areas.
10. Colombia
- Pepitoria: A rice dish cooked with goat’s blood, considered a traditional delicacy.
11. Peru & Ecuador
- Sangrecita (Peru): A dish made from fried chicken blood with chili.
HEALTH SIDE EFFECTS—–:
Drinking animal blood is dangerous for human health and, in extreme cases, can be fatal.
REASONS
- Pathogens – Animal blood can contain bacteria (like Salmonella, E. coli), viruses, and parasites that can infect humans. Some of these can cause sepsis or deadly diseases.
- Toxins & Heavy Metals – Depending on the animal’s diet and environment, blood may contain toxins, heavy metals, or harmful compounds.
- Excess Iron (Heme Iron Overload) – Animal blood is very rich in iron. Drinking a large quantity can overwhelm the body, damaging the liver, heart, and pancreas.
- Immune Reactions – Proteins in foreign blood can trigger severe allergic or immune responses.
AFFECTS: While these practices are culturally significant, consuming raw or improperly prepared animal blood poses health risks, including:
- Zoonotic Diseases: Transmission of diseases from animals to humans.
- Pathogens: Bacteria, viruses, and parasites present in raw blood.
- Iron Overload: Excessive iron intake leading to health complications.
Traditional or ritual practices of drinking blood (like in some cultures or survival situations) are high-risk and often only survive because the quantity is tiny or the blood is cooked/treated, but it’s still unsafe. Drinking animal blood can make a person very sick or even cause death.
