Tag: Paan side effects

According to a study on foreign object ingestion, thousands of people, especially children, swallow non-food items each year. The side effects of eating pans are severe, ranging from immediate physical trauma to long-term heavy metal poisoning and psychological distress related to the compulsive behavior, known as pica. It is also important to address the potential confusion with the word 'paan,' a common stimulant chew with its own serious health consequences.

While betel leaf is recognized for its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, its association with serious health issues arises when it is chewed as part of a betel quid, often containing carcinogenic ingredients like areca nut and tobacco. This article delves into the science behind the betel leaf itself versus the harmful combination, empowering you to separate the plant's potential benefits from the additives' undeniable dangers.

Chewing betel leaves, a tradition in many parts of Asia, dates back to at least 400 BC and is often done for its digestive and mouth-freshening properties. This practice has a complex reputation, and understanding the scientific evidence is key to knowing whether are betel leaves good to eat.