The truth behind betel nut: long-term consumption may lead to oral cancer. Do you dare to continue?

This is the 5294th article of Da Yi Xiao Hu

Not long ago, the news of the death of a 42-year-old internet celebrity blogger named "Yuhong" in Hunan Province became a hot topic. The reason for the death was that he had been chewing betel nuts for 10 years, often suffered from oral ulcers, and was later diagnosed with oral cancer. He also had his right face cut off, which caused great grief to his family. Coincidentally, last year, another internet celebrity also had the same hobby of chewing betel nuts. As a result, he was "addicted" to chewing betel nuts and had three-quarters of his tongue removed. He eventually died young from tongue cancer.

There is a saying in many places: "Betel nut plus cigarettes, boundless power; betel nut plus wine, go anywhere at any time." So, why is betel nut addictive, and what is the truth behind it?

Benefits of Betel Nut

Betel nut originated in Malaysia and was later introduced to China. It is widely planted in tropical areas such as Hainan, Yunnan, and Taiwan. Chewing betel nut has gradually become a local custom and culture. Betel nut is a tropical plant. The fruit is usually peeled and dried or eaten fresh. The main effects are:

1. Stimulation

Betel nut contains arecoline, an alkaloid that has a stimulating effect and can increase alertness and concentration.

2. Helps digestion

In some cultures, betel nut is used as a digestive aid to aid digestion and soothe an upset stomach.

3. Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory

It has an inhibitory effect on certain bacteria and fungi and has an antibacterial effect, such as skin infections, boils, etc. But it does not mean that it can replace drug treatment.

The harm of betel nut

1. Oral health problems

Betel nut contains a variety of chemical components, some of which are carcinogenic. Long-term chewing of betel nut may cause damage to the oral mucosa, causing oral ulcers, gingivitis and other problems, and even increase the risk of oral cancer. Studies have shown that there is a clear correlation between betel nut and oral cancer.

2. Impact on the digestive system

The ingredients in betel nut may irritate the digestive tract, leading to loss of appetite, stomach pain, nausea and other discomfort symptoms. Long-term consumption may also affect digestion and absorption, leading to malnutrition.

3. Addictive

Betel nut contains alkaloids (similar to caffeine), which have a certain stimulant effect and are easy to become addicted to. Long-term and large-scale consumption of betel nut can lead to addiction and affect a person's psychological and physiological state.

4. Cardiovascular disease

Components of betel nut may affect the cardiovascular system and increase the risk of heart disease and high blood pressure. It may put a strain on the heart by increasing heart rate and blood pressure.

5. Pregnancy Risks

For pregnant women, eating betel nut may cause developmental problems for the fetus and increase the risk of miscarriage. The harmful ingredients in betel nut can affect the health of the fetus through the placenta.

The secret of betel nut getting high

The reason why betel nut becomes more and more addictive the more you chew it is closely related to its ingredients. Arecoline and other ingredients in it will affect the central nervous system, causing a slight sense of pleasure and excitement, and this effect may prompt people to use it repeatedly. In addition, long-term consumption also leads to physical dependence. Once you stop, you may experience withdrawal symptoms, making it more difficult to quit. Speaking of this, we have to mention an "accomplice", that is menthol, which is a magical natural substance that brings coolness, comfort and pleasure to our lives. Menthol plays an important role in summer drinks, medicines and personal care products. Many betel nut products add menthol to enhance the taste and aroma. Although menthol itself is safe when used in moderation, it may have some effects when combined with betel nut:

1. Enhance stimulation

The cooling sensation of menthol may mask the bitter taste of betel nut, making us more likely to consume more, thereby increasing potential risks.

2. Oral health problems

Betel nut itself has been linked to health problems such as oral cancer and gum disease.

3. Increase Dependency

The cooling sensation of menthol may make the betel nut usage experience more pleasurable, increase the frequency of use, and lead to greater dependence on betel nut.

4. Causes Digestive Problems

Menthol may cause gastrointestinal upset or other digestive issues when taken with betel nut.

5. Cause poisoning

Menthol is safe in moderation, but in high doses it may cause toxicity, manifested by symptoms such as headache, nausea, and vomiting. Combining it with betel nut may increase the risk of overdose.

In 2003, the World Health Organization classified betel nut as a Class I carcinogen, alongside arsenic. Although widely used in some cultures, its own health risks should not be underestimated. Long-term and large-scale consumption can lead to oral cancer, indigestion, addiction and other problems. Even if menthol is added to provide temporary cooling, it cannot reduce the health hazards of betel nut. Faced with this disfiguring and life-destroying snack, do you still dare to continue?

Author: Shanghai Changning District Center for Disease Control and Prevention

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