In article >, Rubystars
> writes
>
>"machine99" > wrote in message
...
>> > > > The practice is known in other ethnic groups. Eating soil can
>provide
>> > > some
>> > > > nutrients, but it isn't a complete diet.
>> > >
>> > > Do they boil it first? (and did she)
>> >
>> > They eat it raw, like fruit.
>>
>> Raw earth can contain worm eggs and other parasites....I wonder how it
>> affects their health...
>
>I've always wondered how they can find it healthy to eat dirt without doing
>something to kill the parasites inside.
>
>-Rubystars
>
>
I think perhaps we are over hygienic these days about food, to the point
where our immune systems don't automatically kick in when we eat
something that is not 100%
Their is so much on sale now to keep your kitchen almost totally sterile
that people forget that a bit of dirt and a few germs are a healthy
thing they build up our immune system.
Kids believe it or not will try and eat anything from dirt to worms and
rarely come to any harm because of it.
I am not recommending dirt or not being hygienic, no one wants
Salmonella but you can take the war against germs to the point were we
no longer have an effective immune system, because its never been
allowed to work.
Being hygienic today is becoming almost paranoia, thanks to advertising,
I don't use products in my kitchen that will kill every germ in sight,

If you use very hot water, and a good cleaner, and make sure your wash
cloth is clean.. Then their is no real reason for worry,
If you want to be extra safe a little disinfectant or bleach on
surfaces where you have cut or served food will do the trick.
I do put all my chopping boards in the dishwasher, but even that is not
necessary, pouring boiling water over them will do just as good a job.

I am not terribly suprised these days with the number of children who
are forever off school with one infection after another, They have never
had the chance to build up their immune systems,
Mums have made sure their little darlings never come into contact with
a Germ and when they hit school they come into contact with the whole
package all at once, no wonder they are sick.

--
Shez