Category: South asian culture

An estimated 600 million people worldwide consume betel quid, commonly known as paan. This widespread cultural practice, however, raises a critical question: is paan leaf addictive, or are other components responsible for its dependency-forming effects?

Approximately 60-70% of the Indian population has lactose intolerance, with some estimates for wider South Asia reaching up to 90%. Despite this high prevalence, dairy has long been a cornerstone of South Asian cuisine, creating a cultural and biological paradox that makes asking, "Are South Asians lactose intolerant?" a complex question with significant nuances.