TikTok users eat dirt for fat loss, healthy skin in new viral trend

A bizarre trend has gone viral on TikTok, with people consuming clay and dirt for health benefits. Many brands are now selling edible chalks and soil products to capitalise on this trend.

The idea behind consuming dirt is that your body absorbs its minerals that can reportedly aid in digestion, fat loss, and offer other wellness benefits.

Online retailers like Amazon, Etsy, and eBay are now offering various forms of edible dirt, often labeled as "medium hard crunch" or "pleasant earthy taste." These products typically range in price from $11 to $27.

While several TikTok videos show users consuming random dirt, this trend does not involve eating ordinary dirt.

Social media users are buying "biodynamic soil" to eat as "crunchers."

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Several studies have supported the claim that consuming dirt can have positive effects on gut health and may reduce the need for meat and dairy products to obtain essential nutrients.

According to experts, the practice of eating dirt, known as geophagy, dates back to prehistoric times. Humans relied on dirt to meet their nutritional needs and used soils as “detoxifying agents to make certain food products edible and for medicinal purposes.”

Several influencers have shared the benefits of eating dirt, claiming that they noticed positive changes in their skin, such as fading acne and wrinkles.

Some experts suggest incorporating soil- and plant-based products into your skincare routine can positively impact your skin's microbiome.