The researchers found elevated levels of mercury, arsenic, manganese, iron, copper and zinc in the turtle eggs. Neurological damage, reproductive health problems, and various forms of cancer are some of the effects of heavy metals on humans. The study was published in Environmental Health Perspectives.
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Why do people eat turtle eggs?
In some countries, sea turtle eggs are prized as an aphrodisiac. Some people eat sea turtle meat for religious holidays. Mexico, thousands of inland residents travel to Pacific coastal communities during the week preceding Easter in order to find sea turtles to eat.
How do you eat a turtle egg?
The shells are soft and look like ping pong balls. To eat them, you peel off a bit of the shell on the top, sprinkle in a bit of salt and lime and squeeze the sac into your mouth. I am hesitant to try the delicacy. It’s slimy and doesn’t bother you until it hits your tongue. I don’t think I’m going to try it again.
Why are turtle eggs illegal?
Sea turtles are vulnerable to this wildlife crime. Poachers have the upper hand when it comes to circumventing local authorities, and little is known about the routes they use to smuggle the eggs into the country.
“This is the first time we have been able to identify the exact routes used by poachers to bring in these eggs, which is a huge step forward in the fight against illegal wildlife trade,” said Dr. David Macdonald, Director of the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) and lead author on the study.
“We are now working with the Australian Government to develop a national strategy to combat this illegal trade.” The study, published today in Nature Communications, was funded by the UNSW Australia Research Council and the National Geographic Society.
Does turtle egg taste good?
The taste of soft-shelled turtle eggs is said to be more delicious than chicken eggs, and they are usually eaten raw or lightly heated. Turtle eggs can also be used as a source of protein for people who are lactose-intolerant. Lactose is a sugar found in milk and other dairy products. It can cause diarrhea in some people, so it’s best to avoid it if you have that problem.
Do Mexicans eat turtle eggs?
Sea turtles are an important food source for many people in Mexico. Despite legal protections and market conditions, the consumption of sea turtle meat and eggs continues in northwestern mexico.
The study, published in the journal PLOS ONE, was conducted by a team of researchers from the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) and the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) in Mexico City. The research was funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) under Grant No.
Is it legal to eat turtle in the US?
States still has a major problem with illegal hunting of these creatures. However, if you don’t live near an ocean, it may not be possible to find a turtle for sale in your area, so you’ll have to make do with what you have.
