Study suggests humans should eat more snakes
- Published
They're scaly, slithery and can grow up to 33 feet in length -that's as long as a bus - but have you ever thought about eating pythons?
A new study by Macquarie University in Australia claims that munching on the snakes, which are some of the largest in the world, could be better for the planet than some of the meat we usually have for dinner like chicken or cows.
Writing in the journal Scientific Reports, the researchers argue that this is because they are easier to farm, use less resources and are more sustainable.
Their meat is also healthy as it is high in protein and low in saturated-fat.
What do you think, would you eat snake? Would you like to see it as part of your Sssssssssunday dinner? Have your say in our vote and let us know what you think of the idea in the comments below.
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Where do people eat snake?
People across South East Asia and China already enjoy eating snakes.
Python farming on a large scale is well established in Asia and it is now being studied by farming scientists in other parts of the world.
The reptiles have cold blood so use less energy maintaining their temperatures than warm blooded mammals.
Things like climate change are putting pressure on farming so scientists are looking at new options like snake meat.
Dr Dan Natusch, who has worked on the study says: "Snakes require minimal water and can even live off the dew that settles on their scales in the morning. They need very little food and will eat rodents and other pests attacking food crops. And they were a delicacy, historically, in many places."
What other unusual things should we try?
WATCH: Should we be eating more insects?
Many scientists are encouraging people to look for more varied and sustainable types of food to eat instead of the beef and chicken we each so much of.
While eating more veg and plant-based food is encouraged, experts also suggest things like adding insects to our diet.
Fancy trying any of these foods?
- Fried tarantula is eaten in Cambodia - often rolled in sugar or garlic.
- In South-east Asia snake wine is enjoyed.
- In Australia kangaroo meat is on the menu.
- Scientists are also encouraging us to eat more insects
- In China a century egg is made by preserving a duck, chicken, or quail egg in clay, salt, quicklime, and ash for months. The finished result is said to taste like blue cheese!
