Consuming raw or undercooked frogs may increase your risk of getting a rare tapeworm in your brain (2024)

FAQs

Consuming raw or undercooked frogs may increase your risk of getting a rare tapeworm in your brain? ›

The juvenile form of the worm -- known as larvae -- are found in contaminated water as well as the flesh of frogs and snakes. Consumption of raw flesh from these animals or drinking contaminated water can lead to infection, from which the larvae can migrate to many parts of the body, including the brain.

Consuming raw or undercooked frogs may increase your risk of getting a rare tapeworm in your brain. The tapeworm turned out to be an rare find:Spirometra erinaceieuropaei. It is typically found in the intestines of their definitive hosts – cats and dogs.

Some have varying levels of toxicity, while some have none at all. This means that in the case of some, you are likely to get sick or worse, but with others, nothing much would happen if you ate the frog.

People become infected most commonly by eating undercooked and raw infected freshwater fish, though they can also become infected by eating raw or undercooked infected freshwater eels, frogs, birds, and reptiles.

Ribeiroia ondatrae, or the frog-mutating flatworm is a parasite in the genus Ribeiroia which is believed to be responsible for many of the recent increases in amphibian limb malformations, particularly missing, malformed, and additional hind legs.

However, it's essential to note that not all parts are safe to consume. The legs are the most commonly eaten part of a frog in culinary practices. Other parts of the frog, such as the skin and internal organs, may not be safe for consumption due to potential toxins.

They are poisonous

These toxins, called bufotoxins, are an effective defense mechanism for toads because potential predators learn that eating toads can be harmful and make them sick. The toxins can be powerful enough to even kill small animals, and they can cause allergic reactions in humans as well.

Frog legs are a nutritious, low-fat and high-protein meat source. They also consist of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals like phosphorus, selenium, and magnesium that's all beneficial for your body. On that note, it's time for chicken breast to move aside as the healthiest meat around.

Poison frogs are known for their beautiful colors, and amphibians that have toxic skin secretions tend to have bright warning colors or patterns. It is theorized that these colors function as a visual warning, a learned response on the part of the predator.

Frog legs are rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin A, and potassium. They are often said to taste like chicken because of their mild flavor, with a texture most similar to chicken wings. The taste and texture of frog meat are approximately between chicken and fish.

Why can't you eat a whole frog? ›

Another reason why you would eat only the legs because the rest of the frog is innards, rib cage, intestines, and other viscera that simply isn't good to consume while the legs are meat and bone.