Meat is an indispensable food in our lives, and most parts of an animal can be consumed. However, there are some parts you should never eat, as they can easily lead to health problems.
I. The "poultry tip" should not be eaten
The part at the top of the tail feathers on poultry such as chickens, ducks, and geese, scientifically known as the "bursa of Fabricius," is a place where lymphoid glands are concentrated. Because the macrophages in the lymphoid glands can engulf bacteria and viruses, even carcinogens, but cannot break them down, the "poultry tip" is a "warehouse" that harbors dirt and filth.
II. The "black skin" of fish should not be eaten
On both sides of a fish's body cavity, there is a layer of black membrane. This is the most fishy and earthy part and contains large amounts of lipids, lysozyme, and other substances.
III. Chicken heads should not be eaten
There is a Chinese proverb: "A ten-year-old chicken head is more toxic than arsenic." Why does the toxicity of a chicken head increase with its age? Medical experts analyze that the reason is that chickens ingest harmful heavy metals while pecking for food.
IV. The meat nodules on a pig's neck should not be eaten
When consuming pork, one should easily remove the gray, yellow, or dark-red meat nodules on the neck and other areas, known as "meat dates," because these areas contain many bacteria and viruses. Eating them can easily lead to infection.
V. The "scent glands" of rabbits should not be eaten
The white inguinal glands, located under the skin on both sides of the external genitalia; the brown inguinal glands, which are adjacent to the white ones; and the anal glands, located on the walls of the rectum, are extremely foul-smelling. If not removed before cooking, they will make the rabbit meat difficult to swallow.
VI. The "suspended tendon" of sheep
The "suspended tendon" of sheep (also known as "hoof pearls") is generally round or串珠状 (串珠状) and is a tissue that has developed a pathological condition within the sheep's hoof.
VII. The "three glands" of livestock should not be eaten
The thyroid, adrenal glands, and diseased lymph glands on animals such as pigs, cattle, and sheep are three types of "physiologically harmful organs."
VIII. Chicken necks should not be eaten
Do not eat the skin of chicken or duck necks, and do not eat the trachea. These areas contain large amounts of high cholesterol, so it is best not to eat these parts.