INTRODUCTION:
Betel nut is the seed of the areca palm tree, commonly found in tropical regions of Asia. It is often chewed for its stimulating effects and is usually wrapped in betel leaves along with lime and other spices. Chewing betel nut is a traditional practice in many cultures and is known to have mild stimulant properties. However, long-term use can have health risks.
English: Betel Nut / Areca Nut
Hindi: सुपारी (Supari)
Urdu: کا ٹھی سُپاری (Supari)
Tamil: கூந்தல் (Kundal) / வழுப்பட்டி (Vazhupatti)
Telugu: అరిసెల (Ariselu) / సుపారి (Supari)
Bengali: সুপারি (Supari)
Kannada: ಸುವಾರಿಗೆಡ್ಡೆ (Suvarigedde)
Malayalam: കടല (Kadal) / ചുവപ്പുകൊടി (Chuvappukodi)
HEALTH BENEFITS:
Weight Management:
Betel nuts have appetite-suppressing effects, enhancing metabolism and aiding weight management.
Mental Wellbeing:
Certain studies suggest that betel nuts have mild antidepressant properties and, hence, offer relief from anxiety and stress if consumed in moderation.
Maintains women’s health
Women may suffer from a yellowish vaginal discharge, called Leucorrhea. Usually, the estrogen imbalance in the body leads to this condition. Betel nut improves the hormonal imbalance. Furthermore, by consuming betel nuts before menstrual cycle starts is found to reduce vaginal cramps, and abdominal and vaginal pain.
Improves muscle strength
People who have suffered a heart stroke may have poor muscle strength that can lead to slurred speech. By consuming betel nut regularly, muscle strength can be regained and speech can be improved
Aids Digestion:Supari is thought to stimulate saliva production and digestive contractions, potentially helping with digestion and relieving indigestion, bloating, and constipation.
Reduces Bloating:By stimulating saliva and digestive processes, it may help alleviate bloating and gas.
Oral Health:
Freshens Breath:Supari is traditionally used as a mouth freshener and is believed to help eliminate bad breath.
Reduces Dental Plaque:It can help in reducing dental plaque buildup, which can lead to cavities and gum disease.
Fights Gum Infections:Supari is thought to have properties that can help reduce gum swelling and pain, as well as fight gum infections.
SIDE EFFECTS:
Excessive betel nut consumption can lead to various side effects, including increased heart rate, sweating, digestive issues, and potential oral health problems.
- Addiction and Dependence:
Betel nut can be habit-forming, and some individuals may experience withdrawal symptoms if they stop using it.
- Cancer Risk:
Studies have linked betel nut chewing with an increased risk of oral cancer, especially when combined with tobacco.
- Pregnancy and Nursing:
The safety of betel nut use during pregnancy and nursing is not well-established, and it’s generally advised to avoid it during these periods.
HOW TO USE:
- Ingredients:
- Sliced or crushed betel nut (areca nut)
- Betel leaf (called paan in South Asia)
- Slaked lime (calcium hydroxide)
- Optional additives: cardamom, cloves, tobacco, sweeteners
- Steps:
- A betel leaf is taken.
- A small amount of slaked lime is spread on the leaf.
- Betel nut pieces are added.
- Optional flavorings or tobacco are added.
- The leaf is folded into a small parcel (paan) and chewed.
- Purpose:
- Used as a mild stimulant (increases alertness).
- Often offered to guests or after meals as a mouth freshener
PRECAUTIONS:
- Long-term chewing of betel nut can cause addiction, damage to the mouth and teeth, and is linked to oral cancer.
- It is banned or restricted in some countries due to its health risks.
