Blood pudding is a dish that comes with several potential health risks. It can lead to contracting bacterial infections such as streptococcus, tapeworms, and worms. Additionally, it can also cause gastrointestinal diseases and meningococcal disease. According to Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Duy Thinh from the Institute of Food Technology at Hanoi University of Science and Technology, blood pudding is made from living blood, which cannot destroy all bacteria and parasites. This increases the risk of illness if the blood is sourced from infected animals like pigs, chickens, ducks, and goats.
Bacteria found in blood pudding can enter the body and cause various health issues such as helminths, gastrointestinal diseases, meningococcal disease, and streptococcus. For instance, pork tapeworm infection can lead to severe symptoms like headaches, nausea, vomiting, and even epileptic seizures. Swine streptococcus is another dangerous disease that can be transmitted to humans through undercooked pork products like blood pudding.
Consuming blood pudding also carries the risk of being contaminated with toxins from the animals’ blood. The black blood found in animals is toxic waste not suitable for consumption. Despite common beliefs, blood pudding does not have any medicinal benefits and should be consumed with caution to avoid health complications.
Experts recommend maintaining a clean living environment and practicing good hygiene to avoid uncooked dishes like blood pudding. It’s essential to wash hands thoroughly before and after using the restroom and limit free-range pig consumption regularly. If experiencing symptoms like headaches or insomnia after consuming blood pudding or any other meat product, it’s crucial to seek medical attention promptly for proper diagnosis and treatment.
In conclusion, while some people may enjoy consuming traditional dishes like blood pudding as a delicacy or cultural staple, they should be aware of its potential health risks associated with it before indulging in it again.