Expert: Dana Krempels, Ph.D. - 8/29/2010

Question
Hello Dr. Krempels,

I have a question that may seem peculiar at first glance,
but I can assure you it is part of a larger study of the
creatures we know as zombies.

I know that you're immediately thinking that being dead, a
zombie question would hardly be appropriate  for a biologist
but my question doesn't apply to the zombie directly.

Zombies are known to consume brains, particularly the human
variety. My question is, could a brain actually satisfy
basic necessary dietary needs. What is a brain mostly made
of? Is it mostly protein or is it fat? Is there any
conventional meat that would taste similar?

Many Thanks!

Answer
Dear Matt,

Eating human brains has caused people a lot of problems, since that's a main route of transmission for prion diseases similar to Mad Cow disease.  But on to your question:  

Yes, the brain is composed of protein and a lot of fatty substances, like other tissues.  My mother used to feed us fried patties made from cow brain when we were kids, and I had to gag them down to please her.  GROSS.  Very mushy and slimy, even doctored up with onions and parsley.

I'm not sure a living thing could survive on a diet of nothing but brain, since certainly there would be essential nutrients lacking.  But for a while...probably.

Then again, since a zombie is dead and in the process of crumbling away, what nutritional needs do they really have?  Do they even have a metabolism?  I personally think they're just eating those brains because to a zombie a human brain is like the finest Snickers bar.  A tasty snack, but not much in the way of helping you maintain your figure.

If you want to try brain, then no one's stopping you.  You can very likely get it in the meat department of your favorite supermarket.  But be forewarned.  Brain and nervous tissue is *the* riskiest meat to ingest in terms of prion diseases.  I wouldn't touch it with a ten foot pole.  Especially because I already know what it tastes like.  (solidifying snot).

Hope this helps!

Dana