Why boxer Nikita Tszyu is eating his wife’s placenta and breast milk

Aussie boxer Nikita Tszyu has opened up about his unusual diet ahead of his next bout, revealing that he’s been eating his wife’s placenta in capsule form – and even drinking some of her breast milk.

Tszyu, who is set to face undefeated Lulzim Ismaili on August 20, has detailed the unconventional diet that’s made him ‘technically a cannibal’.

‘So for those who don’t know, I just had a baby,’ he told Triple M Breakfast with Beau, Cat & Woodsy.

‘And my wife… we freeze-dried her placenta and I’ve been supplementing on her placenta recently… in tablet form. 

‘I’ve technically become a cannibal. It’s actually like a superpower. I’ve done tests with my sparring – days where I’ve had it and days where I haven’t – and it feels like I got all this crazy amount of energy.’

Beau Ryan asked if the boxing star had also started breastfeeding.

‘I have, I have,’ replied Tszyu. 

Woods interjected: ‘They reckon breast milk is the best thing you can have! It’s so good for you, so clean.’

Tszyu added: ‘Yeah, and it’s delicious as well!’

Australian footy star Millie Elliott is expecting her first child in September and is also planning to get her placenta encapsulated for consumption.

The practice of ingesting placentas has become a growing trend among new Australian mothers.

Advocates claim that consuming placenta can boost energy, help with postpartum recovery and improve lactation.

The practice, often referred to as placentophagy, has roots in traditional medicine but is becoming more mainstream in Australia.

Some believe placentas contain essential nutrients and hormones that support recovery after childbirth.

A number of Australian women are turning to placenta encapsulation, during which the placenta is dried, powdered and placed into capsules.

While some studies suggest there are potential benefits, medical professionals remain divided on its effectiveness.

Tszyu says the birth of his daughter Curiosity has also inspired him with his training.

‘It’s beautiful and motivating to even look in her eyes,’ he said.

However, cutting weight for his upcoming bout has been a bit of a struggle with all the food videos he’s been watching.

‘I will literally sit there at night in bed looking at videos for an hour,’ he admitted.

‘Just food videos. It doesn’t matter what food it is, even the craziest barbecues, yucky pizzas… I’m just like “Oh, yes”.’