The internet is buzzing with unusual health advice, and lately, you might have stumbled upon the suggestion to eat rocks daily. If you’re scratching your head wondering, “How Many Rocks Should I Eat In A Day?”, you’re not alone. This bizarre recommendation seems to have popped up everywhere, even being mistakenly highlighted by AI as genuine advice. But before you start adding pebbles to your breakfast, let’s dig into the real story behind this rocky recommendation.
The origin of this peculiar dietary suggestion comes from a satirical article published by The Onion, a well-known website for humorous fake news. In their piece titled “Geologists Recommend Eating At Least One Small Rock Per Day,” they jokingly quoted a fictional “Dr. Joseph Granger” from UC Berkeley, claiming that rocks are an “important source of vitamins and minerals critical to digestive health.” The article humorously suggested consuming everything from “pebbles, geodes, or gravel” to even “a medium-sized 5-pound cobblestone,” and even advised hiding rocks in food like peanut butter or ice cream for easier consumption.
This satirical piece was intended as a joke, highlighting the absurdity of some health trends and the human body’s actual nutritional needs. It played on the common knowledge that rocks are made of minerals, twisting it into a ridiculous dietary recommendation. The humor was amplified by the over-the-top nature of the “advice” and the exaggerated reactions of people supposedly rushing to hospitals after eating boulders.
Recently, this humorous article gained unexpected traction when AI Overview features by search engines mistakenly presented this satirical advice as legitimate. News outlets like the BBC, The Atlantic, and The New York Times reported on this, showcasing how large language models can sometimes misinterpret satire as factual information. This led to the resurgence of the question “how many rocks should I eat in a day?” as people encountered this strange advice online, often without realizing its satirical source.
Screenshot of Google AI Overview result mentioning rock eating
So, to be absolutely clear: you should not eat rocks. While rocks are indeed composed of minerals, our bodies are not designed to extract these minerals by directly consuming rocks. The minerals we need for our health should come from a balanced diet of food, including fruits, vegetables, and other sources that our digestive system can process effectively.
Eating rocks can be harmful and can lead to various health issues. Our digestive systems are not equipped to break down rocks, and attempting to digest them can cause dental damage, internal injuries, and digestive blockages. Furthermore, some rocks may contain harmful substances that are not safe for human consumption.
While the idea of eating rocks for health is a humorous concept originating from satire, it’s important to distinguish between jest and genuine health advice. When it comes to your diet and mineral intake, always rely on credible sources and consult with healthcare professionals. Leave the rocks to the rock formations and focus on a balanced and healthy diet that actually nourishes your body.
