What are the functions and effects of betel nut?

Nov 19, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhang Xiuhong

Introduction

Under normal circumstances, betel nut has effects and benefits such as invigorating the mind, improving oral health, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory actions, promoting digestion, and facilitating qi circulation and diuresis. However, long-term and excessive chewing of betel nut may lead to health problems such as oral submucous fibrosis and oral cancer. Betel nut consumption should follow the principle of moderation and be conducted under medical guidance to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Generally, the effects and benefits of betel nut include refreshing the mind, improving oral health, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory actions, promoting digestion, and facilitating diuresis.

1. Refreshing the Mind: Betel nut contains alkaloids and caffeine, which can stimulate the human nervous system. When chewing betel nut, arecoline can excite the central nervous system, prompting the release of certain neurotransmitters, thereby achieving a refreshing effect.

2. Improving Oral Health: The coarse fibrous texture of betel nut can rub against the tooth surface during chewing, helping to remove food debris and dental plaque to some extent, thus cleaning the mouth.

3. Antibacterial and Anti-inflammatory: Betel nut has certain antibacterial activity, which can inhibit the growth of pathogenic microorganisms such as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, helping to prevent and treat infectious diseases in the oral cavity and digestive tract.

4. Promoting Digestion: Components such as dietary fiber in betel nut can promote gastrointestinal motility, enhance the digestive function of the stomach and spleen, and accelerate food digestion and excretion. Moderate consumption of betel nut can also stimulate secretion of digestive juices, aiding digestion of fatty foods.

5. Promoting Diuresis and Resolving Dampness: Betel nut can promote the excretion of water from the body, reduce edema, and help alleviate symptoms such as actual syndrome of edema, difficult urination and defecation, and swelling and pain of foot due to cold-dampness.

Long-term and excessive chewing of betel nut may cause health problems such as oral submucous fibrosis and oral cancer. Betel nut should be consumed in moderation and under the guidance of a physician to ensure safety and effectiveness.

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What should I do if a betel nut residue gets stuck in my throat?

When betel nut residue becomes lodged in the throat, measures such as self-initiated coughing, rinsing the mouth with clean water, inducing vomiting, observation and waiting, or seeking timely medical attention can be taken to alleviate the situation. It is important to note that one should never blindly use hands or other tools to dig into the throat, as this may scratch the mucous membrane or push the foreign object deeper. Additionally, avoid swallowing hard foods such as steamed buns or rice balls to forcefully push the object down, as this may cause displacement of the foreign body or worsen the injury.