Have you ever seen someone lick his or her own blood? What about drink it? How about people eating their own blood?
It might sound disgusting – in fact, it does – but does blood eating have any health benefits? Michael Mosley, British television journalist, presenter, and producer decided to put the theory to the test.
The Theory
Historical data shows the wonders of blood; from bathing in it to having it drained from your body. These claims are even supported by newer science.
Blood transfusions have been saving lives for decades, and blood is extremely nutritious. Michael Mosley’s plan was to try a few different ways of using blood – his own blood – to see if the health benefits were real.
What Did He Try?
Mr. Mosley spoke with a few different doctors to see what could be done. Of course he made and ate sausage from his own blood, but he also spoke with a biologist from the University of California who works with mice.
Old Mice, New Tricks
Dr. Saul Villeda has been doing research injecting young mice blood into old mice. The transfusion is not just to change the blood; the process is used for its transformative powers.
Villeda wants to get the process to a place where the youthful factors in blood are identified and used to promote brain health. Like humans, when mice age, their brain cells get old: they get shriveled and tired. Villeda has found that when an elderly mouse’s brain is infused with young blood, they sprout new connections to neurons, making their brain more like that of a young, smart mouse.
Because Mosley isn’t a mouse he did not participate in this operation. He did, however, take part in a different experiment.
Vampire Facelift
Mr. Mosley connected with Janet Hadfield, director of Biotherapy Services, a company that researches PRP – platelet rich plasma – and its multiple uses.
This blood-based rejuvenation therapy isn’t quite as gross as eating blood and has people with slightly larger brains than mice championing the popular new technique, called a Vampire Facelift.
Kim Kardashian, Bar Rafaeli, and Tiger Woods are just a few of the celebrities that have jumped on this craze. Essentially, the Vampire Facelift takes the patient’s blood and spins it down to the platelet-rich plasma. This plasma is combined with Restalyne or Jevederm, gels to help hide your natural ageing process.
After his own Vampire Facelift, Michael Mosley was told by Hadfield to expect to feel an improved tone and texture in his skin. “More like a baby’s bum”, she told him.
Michael’s reaction was subtle. He did notice very small changes, and for the price of the operation, he doesn’t recommend it. Nonetheless, he, like I, have a newfound love for the substance that runs through all of us.
My suggestion
Don’t make your-own-blood pudding. Don’t make and eat blood sausage, blood soup, or blood pancakes from your own blood. Yes, young blood helps revitalize old bodies and minds, but the benefits are just not worth the cost.
Keep eating healthily and make sure your blood is full of antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins. Don’t buy into new science, when we’ve got everything we need in the form of whole and natural foods.
SOURCES
http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-31906851
