I try to be a smart dude – I’ll read some interesting stuff not related to sports, wrestling, or nonsense from time to time. Always have to stay cultured and push those boundaries of what you know. So, I was scrolling through the ol’ NatGeo (that’s what refined people call National Geographic) when I found this story about armadillos and I thought it was so fascinating that I had to share it with you guys.
In Brazil, it’s not uncommon to eat armadillo, which reportedly tastes like chicken. But new research warns against the practice—it could give you leprosy.
If you’re a Tennessean like me, that alone is a hell of a statement. Like, I had to read that a few times just to let everything sink in.
People eat armadillos…they taste like chicken…and they could give you leprosy…
Okay, let’s just keep pushing through.
In a study published Thursday in the journal PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, researchers found that 62 percent of the nine-banded armadillos sampled in Brazil’s western state of Pará showed signs of exposure to the bacterium that causes leprosy, also known as Hansen’s Disease.
What’s more, the study found that people who eat nine-banded armadillo meat more frequently show higher concentrations of leprosy antibodies in their blood, hinting at a strong correlation between hunting, handling, and eating these animals and contracting the disease.
Okay, let’s try and keep going. We’re learning things here. I’m having a hard time getting over the thought of eating an armadillo.
I think it’s because back in the Spring, I remember for some reason, we came across at least three armadillos that had been run over on our way to Smithville. It was so strange, and I had so many questions. Why were these creatures out and about and why couldn’t they stay out of the road?
Every time someone mentions eating an armadillo, I think about eating that roadkill. I can’t help how my brain works. But, I’m going to keep trying.
One dish eaten in certain areas could be particularly problematic: armadillo liver ceviche, a mixture of raw meat and onions. Leprosy-causing bacteria have been shown to concentrate in the liver, as well as the spleen.
There’s like 3,000 words to go on this massive Nat Geo piece, but I can’t finish it. That’s it, I’m done.
*pukes violently*
Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network. He is a strong supporter of Team GSD and #BeBetter. “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Alabama Crimson Tide football, the WWE, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley
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