Betel nuts
Betel Nuts
Betel Nuts (pronunciation: /ˈbiːtəl/ nuts), also known as Areca Nuts, are the fruit of the Areca catechu palm tree. The term "Betel Nuts" originates from the Malay word 'betel', and the Old English word 'hnutu'.
Description
Betel Nuts are small, round and usually have a brownish hue. They are commonly used in many Asian, Pacific, and Southeast Asian cultures for their stimulating effects when chewed. The nut is often wrapped in a Betel leaf along with calcium hydroxide (slaked lime) and may include clove, cardamom, and other spices for extra flavoring.
Usage
The primary use of Betel Nuts is for recreational chewing, especially in certain parts of Asia. It is often used in a similar manner to tobacco or caffeine, providing a mild stimulant effect. However, it is also used in traditional medicine for its supposed health benefits, although these claims are not universally accepted by the medical community.
Health Effects
Chewing Betel Nuts is associated with several health risks. Regular use can lead to oral submucous fibrosis, a pre-cancerous condition, and is strongly associated with the development of oral and esophageal cancer. It can also lead to a significant increase in heart rate and blood pressure.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Betel nuts
- Wikipedia's article - Betel nuts
This WikiMD article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski