WHY WE AVOID IT:

Zombies aside, even the most enthusiastic carnivore draws the line at brains. Besides, there’s a small chance that you develop variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) from eating the brains of cattle infected with “mad cow disease.”

WHY WE SHOULD EAT IT:

Brains are a concentrated source of DHA, an important omega-3 fatty acid that is essential to cognitive function. Studies have reported that children who grow up eating brains have healthier brains and nervous systems than those who don’t. People who don’t eat enough DHA have a higher risk of heart disease, Alzheimer’s, dementia and poor mental skills. Brains are also rich in key nutrients needed for brain development: vitamin A, vitamin D, choline, zinc, tryptophan and cholesterol. Although the risk of developing CJD is super small, choosing brains that come from grass-fed beef will ensure your safety. Be smart. Eat brains.