Yes, we can digest tripe.
Tripe, which is the stomach lining of ruminant animals like cows, sheep, and goats, can be digested by humans. While it may seem tough in its raw form, processing and cooking tripe makes it digestible. Here's why:
- Loss of Protective Structure: When tripe is part of a living animal, it possesses structures and defenses necessary for its function. After slaughter and processing, these structures are removed or broken down.
- Digestive Enzymes: Our digestive system is equipped to break down the proteins and other components of tripe. The stomach produces gastric acid (hydrochloric acid) and enzymes such as pepsin. These work together to denature proteins and break them down into smaller peptides and amino acids, which can then be absorbed in the small intestine.
- Cooking Process: The cooking process further aids in digestion. It softens the tripe's texture and breaks down some of the connective tissues, making it easier for our digestive enzymes to work on it.
Therefore, tripe is digestible because our digestive juices and enzymes are capable of breaking it down, especially after it has been processed and cooked.
