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What are the effects and functions of betel nut?

Nov 18, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
Arecoline, a substance found in betel nut, can paralyze intestinal parasites, causing them to lose their ability to adhere and thus be expelled from the body. Therefore, betel nut is commonly used as an adjunct in relieving intestinal parasitic diseases caused by roundworms, hookworms, and similar parasites. Components present in betel nut can also stimulate the secretion of saliva and gastric juices, enhance gastrointestinal motility, and aid in the digestion and absorption of food.

Under normal circumstances, the effects and functions of betel nut may include deworming, promoting digestion, refreshing the mind, regulating qi and promoting diuresis, and increasing oral secretion. The analysis is as follows:

1. Deworming: Betel nut has anthelmintic effects against various intestinal parasites such as tapeworms, roundworms, threadworms, hookworms, and intestinal flukes. Through its laxative effect, betel nut can expel parasites from the body.

2. Promoting digestion: Components contained in betel nut can stimulate the secretion of saliva and gastric juice, have mild laxative and bowel-regulating effects, aid digestion and absorption of food, enhance gastrointestinal function, and are commonly used to treat conditions such as food accumulation, qi stagnation, abdominal distension, and constipation.

3. Refreshing the mind: Alkaloids in betel nut can stimulate the central nervous system, providing a certain degree of alertness. Some individuals chew betel nut to stay awake and improve work or study efficiency.

4. Regulating qi and promoting diuresis: Betel nut has the effect of regulating qi and promoting diuresis, which can help alleviate symptoms such as edema due to excess syndrome, difficulty in urination and defecation, and swelling and pain in the feet caused by cold-dampness.

5. Increasing oral secretion: Chewing betel nut can increase the secretion of salivary glands, improve oral moisture, and help maintain oral health.

Betel nut may cause oral health problems and has a certain addictive potential. Long-term consumption may lead to betel nut dependence, so prolonged use should be avoided. Pregnant women, lactating women, and individuals with oral or digestive system diseases should consume betel nut cautiously.

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What are the health risks associated with betel nut chewing?
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What foods should be avoided when gums are inflamed
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Can betel nut and beer be consumed together?
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Is it safe to chew betel nut during menstruation?
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Can you drink alcohol while chewing betel nut?
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