Betel nut chewing is a primary habit in India and other Asian countries with little awareness of its consequences making it a major public health problem. While the habit is seen throughout, certain socioeconomic communities are more involved with it being a prominent tradition among them.
There are several ways in which betel nut is used other than its chewable forms. This includes forming a quid and placing it anywhere in the oral mucosa or rubbing it over, which increases its contact time with the tissue and is an injurious habit. Consumption of betel nut in any form, be it chewing, placing, rubbing or eating along with a betel nut leaf are all detrimental to your overall health.
Terming all these habits under a broad term of betel nut chewing, it has been established that these habits significantly contribute to oral cancer and other types of cancer like that of the pharynx or the oesophagus.
Despite its proposed benefits in ancient texts, it is best that you keep a distance from this destructive habit for your best health.
This article will highlight the major risks of betel nut chewing, only after deeply exploring this habit and its presumed benefits.