Myth: It is believed that turtle eggs can increase male sexual desire.
Fact: Turtle eggs contain very high levels of cholesterol compared to chicken eggs, which can potentially block blood vessels, including those around the male genital area. As a result, consuming turtle eggs increases the risk of impotence in the future.
Myth: The protein content in turtle eggs is believed to be higher than in chicken eggs.
Fact: The protein content in turtle eggs is not significantly different from that in chicken eggs. Turtle eggs contain 13.04% protein, while chicken eggs contain 11.80%. However, the fat content in turtle eggs is twice as high as in chicken eggs, which can increase the risk of harmful cholesterol in the body (Irawati and Harfiandri, 2004).
Turtles (including their meat, blood, organs, and eggs) are known to contain parasites, bacteria, biotoxins, and pollutants such as heavy metals because:
- Turtles swim through increasingly polluted seas.
- Turtles have long lifespans, meaning they have been in contact with pollution for extended periods.
- Turtles are at the top of the food chain, so pollutants in their food accumulate in their bodies.
These substances have been proven to cause neurological disorders, kidney diseases, liver cancer, and affect the development of fetuses and children (A. Alonso Aguirre, et al., Eco Health Journal Consortium, 2006).
Not all communities believe that turtle eggs can boost sexual desire. For example, in Boa Vista, Cape Verde (Africa), the people hunt turtle meat, but they do not touch turtle eggs at all.
The high demand for turtle eggs as a “viagra” has led to increased illegal harvesting and trade of turtle eggs.
