趣談英語：異食癖-Pica Means Magpie

00:00

00:00

MP3下載 文本下載

https://online2.tingclass.net/lesson/shi0529/0009/9833/6.mp3

https://image.tingclass.net/statics/js/2012

pica: an eating disorder characterized by a craving for non-food substances

magpie: a long-tailed, black and white bird

craving: a strong feeling of need, usually related to food consumption

persist: to last a long time

psychological: related to the brain

Pica Means Magpie

Magpies are birds that will eat almost anything, whether it’s food or not. Some humanscrave substances with no nutritional value. This eating disorder is called pica. Pica is Latin for magpie. People who suffer from pica have cravings for non-food substances, such as dirt, paper, or cigarette ashes. Most children outgrow this behaviour by the time they reach school age. If pica persists, it may be related to a psychological disorder that requires the help of a mental health worker. Pregnant women may also develop pica. Their cravings may stem from a lack of certain vitamins or minerals.