Considering the cultural context of ancient Israel, what might be the underlying reason for the prohibition against eating blood, as stated in several Old Testament passages?

A Blood was considered unclean and dangerous for consumption due to potential diseases. B Blood was believed to contain the life force of a creature and was therefore reserved for God as a sacred offering. C Eating blood was associated with pagan rituals and was forbidden to maintain Israel's distinct identity. D The prohibition was purely a dietary restriction with no deeper spiritual or symbolic meaning.