The consumption of betel nut is related to the appearance of mouth cancer. In addition, other possible health risks have been noted. Do you want to know more about it? Keep reading!
When chewed, it stains the teeth purple or dark red. The betel nut is consumed in many parts of the world, however, the largest buyers are in Asia and the Pacific, where it is from. Those who have tried it say that it can give more energy than a simple cup of coffee.
Also called “areca nut”, it is a seed that comes from the Areca catechu palm tree . They cut it into small pieces or crush it and then wrap it in the palm leaf itself, which is previously covered with lime. There are also presentations that add tobacco or aromatic spices.
However, despite being very palatable to some, it causes dangerous long-term side effects, such as oral cancer, which could lead to premature death. What should you know about it? Next, we detail everything about its possible benefits, contraindications and concerns after its consumption.
Tradition around this nut
Around 600 million people use some form of betel nut, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). This could be translated, that at least 10% of the world population continues with the tradition of consuming betel.
Since it is a practice with more than 2000 years of history, it is not surprising that it is believed to have potential benefits. From generation to generation it has been passed down that chewing betel could help:
Relieve ailments.
Reduce the dryness of the mouth.
Cure indigestion.
Fight the importance.
Despite this, there are currently no scientific studies that corroborate such benefits. In turn, popular belief suggests that this nut is energetic and can be equivalent to the consumption of six cups of coffee.
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