Why chew betel nut

An Indian study suggests it may help with cardiovascular and digestive issues and have anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties.

Research has revealed some serious health risks of betel nut. The WHO classifies betel nut as a carcinogen. Many studies have shown a convincing link between betel nut use and cancer of the mouth and esophagus. A study in the Journal of the American Dental Association reports that betel nut users are at a higher risk for oral submucous fibrosis. This incurable condition can cause stiffness in the mouth and eventually the loss of jaw movement.

Regular chewing of betel nut can also cause gum irritation and tooth decay. Teeth may become permanently stained deep red or even black. An early study published in the American Society for Clinical Nutrition found a strong connection between betel nut and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, and obesity.

Betel nut may interact with other drugs or herbal supplements. It could cause toxic reactions in the body or reduce the effects of medications.

More testing is needed to determine just how betel nut affects other drugs. Regular betel nut use may also lead to dependency and withdrawal symptoms. The U. It has placed the nut on its Poisonous Plants Database. A fact sheet on betel nut with tobacco issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC warns of the following medical conditions associated with betel nut use with tobacco:. Health organizations and governments around the globe are taking steps to increase awareness of betel nut risks.

It calls for a combination of the following measures to curb the practice:. Chewing betel nut has a long history reaching back 2, years, and some cultures claim to have found benefits associated with it. Importation of Betel Nut into Australia is also prohibited. This makes it the 4th most widely-used psychoactive substance, after nicotine, alcohol and caffeine.

Betel nut. Last published: November 10, What is betel nut? How is it used? Betel quids The most common method of using betel nut is to slice it into thin strips and roll it in a betel leaf with slaked lime powder or crushed seashells. Cultural practice Betel nut chewing is an important cultural practice in some regions in south and south-east Asia and the Asia Pacific.

Betel nut affects everyone differently, based on: Size, weight and health Whether the person is used to taking it Whether other drugs are taken around the same time The amount taken The strength of the drug varies from batch to batch The effects of betel nut are not fully understood and further research is needed.

Path2Help Not sure what you are looking for? Find out more. International Agency for Reserrch on Cancer. Epidemiology of betel quid usage. Annals of the Academy of Medicine Singapore ; World Health Organization. Review of areca betel nut and tobacco use in the Pacific: a technical report. Videos Beyond Hollywood Hungerlust Pioneers of love. Courtesy of Kelly Iverson. Kelly Iverson. Give us feedback.

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