Using Betel Nut

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Is Betel Nut a Dangerous Substance?

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People are calling the betel nut a deadly secret of Asian cultures. Used for centuries as a symbol of love and marriage, the betel nut is also making headlines as a dangerous substance. For millions of people in the U.S., herbals and supplements are becoming popular alternatives to traditional medicines. But just because something is natural doesn’t mean it is safe to consume. Unfortunately, there are many seeds, plants, and herbs in nature that are dangerous, and betel nut is one of them.

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What is Betel Nut?

Betel nuts are a part of Asian culture, and they are made from the nut of the areca plant, and the leaf of the betel vine, or Piper betel. Throughout many regions in Asia and the South Pacific, deep red or purple lips are a part of the cultural fabric. That color comes from chewing the nut.

Essentially, the betel nut is the seed of the areca plant, which is then ground up and wrapped with a betel vine that’s been coated in lime. Sometimes, tobacco or other spices are added for additional flavoring. Areca nuts have been used in traditional medicine for centuries. Mainly, areca was used to treat glaucoma and schizophrenia. These nuts, on the other hand, are stimulants and are also used to aid digestion. People sometimes use the nuts as recreational drugs to induce euphoria and speed up the central nervous system.

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What is the History of the Betel Nut?

In South, Southeast Asia, and the South Pacific Basin, the betel nut has a long and varied history that dates back 2000 years. For up to 20% of the world’s population, using the betel nut as a stimulant is a regular occurrence. As one of the most popular psychoactive substances in the world, the betel nut is even more popular than nicotine, alcohol, and caffeine. Even though consuming the betel nut is a cultural tradition for more than 600 million people, regular use of the substance does come with many risks and side effects.

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Why do People Use Betel Nut?

This nut is mostly used as a stimulant, in a similar fashion as caffeine or nicotine. The natural alkaloids present in the nut release adrenaline, which is a natural hormone that increases central nervous system activity. Chewing a betel nut can also induce euphoria and an increased sense of well-being.

In traditional settings, betel nut has been used to treat a range of health issues, including dry mouth and stomach problems. But although the nut has a long history in traditional medicine, the substance has not been tested through clinical trials, and any evidence of betel nut’s health benefits are incredibly limited.

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One study conducted on cancer prevention looked into the supposed cancer-fighting compounds in the betel nut. Another study found that this nut may help treat digestive problems and cardiovascular issues. This same study also found that the nuts do have anti-inflammatory properties that may be beneficial to humans, and could possibly speed up wound healing. But unfortunately, there has been a lack of sufficient follow-up studies to bolster these findings further. Other studies have found that the nut may be addictive, with far less medicinal benefits than was previously thought.

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What are the Adverse Side Effects of Using Betel Nut?

A lot of people stop taking their prescription medications because they don’t like the side effects. For many, using herbal supplements and natural remedies is thought to have fewer side effects, but the nut isn’t one of them. The side effects of the nut can be deadly for some consumers. The World Health Organization has even classified the nut as a known carcinogen.

The American Dental Association conducted a study on the nut and its impacts on dental health. What they uncovered was that regular users of the nut had a higher risk of contracting oral submucous fibrosis. Oral submucous fibrosis is incurable, and it causes stiffness in the mouth, and sufferers can eventually lose complete control of the jaw muscle. Chewing the nut regularly can also irritate the gums, and lead to tooth decay. People who use this nut can also risk permanently staining their teeth dark red, purple, or black.

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The American Society for Clinical Nutritional also conducted a series of studies on the nut’s side effects. What they uncovered was that regular betel nut use caused an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, obesity, and metabolic issues. This nut was also found to interact poorly with other prescription medications, causing either toxic interactions or reducing the ability of the drugs to do their job.

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According to the FDA, betel nuts are not safe to chew or consume. As such, the FDA has put betel net in the Poisonous Plants Database. The CDC has also issued their own warnings about betel nut, warning that betel nut can cause health issues and congenital disabilities also seen with tobacco use.

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How is CBD Different than the Supplement Betel Nut?

The nut is known to be a dangerous substance, and the FDA, CDC, and other medical authorities have issued warnings against it. Today, CBD is considered a relatively safe and harmless supplement, but more research into CBD’s effectiveness as a medical treatment option is ongoing and inconclusive at this time. CBD does not have the same effects on the user that betel nut does. Betel nut acts as a stimulant and a psychoactive substance. CBD, on the other hand, does not produce stimulant effects. It’s also not a psychoactive substance. Taking CBD will not result in any emotional, mental, or physical impairment.

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However, CBD is known to interact with some prescription medications. People should never take CBD without speaking to their doctor first. It’s also critical for consumers to purchase CBD from a reputable company.

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At Hugs CBD, we value transparency and honesty in the CBD business. All CBD products from Hugs are thoroughly tested through an independent lab. You can see the test results for yourself on our website. If your doctor has cleared you for CBD, shop online with Hugs today and get started on your CBD journey.

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Last updated October 9 2019

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