Betel Nut: Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

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“Betel nut, when you need a little pick-me-up.”

Betel nut, also known as “supari” in Ayurveda, holds a significant place in traditional medicine due to its potential health benefits. It is derived from the Areca catechu palm tree and has been used for centuries in various cultural practices. Ayurveda mentions numerous advantage of betel nut. In Ayurveda, betel nut is considered to have medicinal properties and is believed to offer several benefits for overall well-being. In this article, we will explore the betel nut uses, betel nut benefits, benefits of betel nut leaves, and potential betel nut side effects from an Ayurvedic perspective.

What is Betel Nut? 

Betel nut, scientifically known as Areca catechu, is a palm tree seed native to Southeast Asia. It is commonly chewed with or without betel leaves and other ingredients in cultural and social practices. Betel nut contains various bioactive compounds, including alkaloids, flavonoids, and tannins, which contribute to its potential therapeutic effects [1]. Areca nut benefits include several health advantages too. 

Betel Nut Names in Other Languages

In India, betel nut is known by several names in the local languages. 

1. Puga or Supari (in Hindi)
2. Vakka (in Telugu)
3. Paaku (in Tamil)
4. Pophali (in Marathi)
5. Adike (in Kannada)
6. Gua (in Bengali)
7. Atekka (in Malayalam)

Nutritional Profile of Betel Nuts (100 Grams)

Nutrients	Quantity
Calories	389 kcal
Carbohydrates	43.8 grams
Fats	23.6 grams
Proteins	4.2 grams
Fiber	16.3 grams
Calcium	67 mg
Phosphorus	111 mg
Magnesium	92 mg
Potassium	569 mg
Iron	3.1 mg
Zinc	0.8 mg

Betel Nut Properties

The Ayurvedic properties of Betel nuts are:

1. Sweet (Madhura)
2. Dry (Ruksha)
3. Astringent (Kashaya)
4. Cold in potency

The medicinal or therapeutic properties of betel nuts are:

1. Analgesic property
2. Antioxidant property
3. Neuroprotective property
4. Anti-ulcer property
5. Anti-inflammatory property

What Are The Components of Areca Nut? [4]

Constituents	Green (Unripe Nut)	Ripe Nut
Moisture Content	69.4 – 74.1	38.9 – 56.7
Total Polysaccharides	17.3 – 23.0	17.8 – 25.7
Crude Protein	6.7 – 9.4	6.2 – 7.5
Fat	8.1 – 12.0	9.5 – 15.1
Crude Fibre	8.2 – 9.8	11.4 – 15.4
Polyphenols	17.2 – 29.8	11. 1 – 17. 8
Arecoline	0.11 – 0.14	0.12 – 0.24
Ash	1.2 – 2.5	1.1 – 1.5

Areca Nut In Traditional Medicine

Areca nut extracts have also been used in traditional Chinese and Indian medicine to treat parasite illnesses, diarrhea, dyspepsia, jaundice, and poor digestion. [7]

Types of Areca Nut

Based on the methods of processing, betel nut types are numerous. 

• Harvesting fully ripe area nuts and letting them dry for two months is the process used to make white areca nuts. 
• The process of removing the nut shells is called supari. 
• The green areca nut is harvested, husked, and then boiled in hot water to make red supari. The finished item is called Chikni Supari. 

Betel Nut Health Benefits

Betel nut is believed to offer a range of benefits in Ayurveda. Let’s delve into the primary and secondary benefits of benefits of eating betel nut [2]:

1. Oral Health

Primary Benefit: One of the areca nut health benefits is its ability to promote oral health. It promotes oral health by stimulating saliva production, reducing harmful bacteria, and preventing dental plaque formation. 

Secondary Benefit: Betel nut nutrition and its antimicrobial properties combat oral bacteria, freshen breath, and strengthen gums, providing relief from mild inflammation.

2. Digestive Support

Primary Benefit: Betel nut acts as a digestive aid, facilitating the digestion process and promoting gastrointestinal health. It stimulates the production of digestive juices, aiding in the breakdown and absorption of food. This primary benefit enhances digestion, improves nutrient assimilation, and supports overall digestive function. 

Secondary Benefit: As one of the secondary betel nut benefits, these nuts can help alleviate symptoms of indigestion such as bloating, gas, and discomfort. Its ability to stimulate digestive juices helps to normalize digestion and alleviate digestive disturbances, providing relief from indigestion.

3. Stained Tooth Removal

Primary Benefit: Betel nut can be used to remove stains from teeth caused by the consumption of coffee, tea, and other beverages. By charring the betel nut, grinding it into a powder, and directly applying it to the teeth, it helps to restore their whiteness.

Secondary Benefit: Regularly practicing this oral hygiene habit of using charred and powdered betel nut on the teeth can effectively prevent and reduce the yellowing or staining of teeth caused by the intake of staining beverages. It restores dental aesthetics and helps boost self-confidence by maintaining the natural whiteness of the teeth.

4. Mood Enhancement

Primary Benefit: One of the many uses of betel nut is its use as a mood enhancer. In Ayurveda, betel nut is known for its potential mood-enhancing properties. It is believed to have a stimulating effect on the nervous system, helping to uplift mood, improve focus, and enhance mental alertness. These primary benefits contribute to overall well-being and emotional balance. 

Secondary Benefit: Moreover, betel nut’s stimulating properties may help alleviate mild fatigue and increase energy levels, promoting a sense of vitality and rejuvenation.

5. Antioxidant Activity

Primary Benefit: Betel nut contains antioxidants that help protect the body against oxidative stress caused by free radicals. These primary betel nut health benefits related to the power of the nut’s antioxidant activity can help prevent cellular damage and support overall health and vitality.
Secondary Benefit: Furthermore, betel nut’s antioxidant properties may contribute to anti-ageing effects, promoting healthy skin, and reducing the appearance of skin ageing signs [5].

6. Removes intestinal worms

Primary Benefit: Betel nuts may be used to prepare a decoction, and by taking that decoction betel nuts can help to flush out harmful worms from your gut.

Secondary Benefit: Certain compounds in betel nuts stop the worms from multiplying and attaching themselves to the walls of your gut. That helps to remove harmful worms like tapeworms, and several other intestinal parasites.

7. Treats loss of appetite

Primary Benefit: Betel nut nutrition is well-known for its treatment of lost appetite. Chewing betel nuts can remove the blandness in your mouth and restore appetite.

Secondary Benefit: The increased secretion of saliva due to the chewing of betel nuts and activation of the taste buds in your tongue, can treat loss of appetite, and associated symptoms like nausea.

8. Speeds up recovery from strokes

Primary Benefit: Betel nuts may help a patient recover from the after effects of a stroke, especially cerebral stroke.

Secondary Benefit: Stroke patients from various debilitating symptoms such as loss of mobility, loss of strength, power off speech, bladder function. By taking that extract the patience of strokes can regain their lost functions.

9. Acts as an aphrodisiac

Primary Benefit: Betel nuts can serve as an effective aphrodisiac, stimulating sex hormones. One of the betel nut benefits for male is its ability to make a man perform better on the bed.

Secondary Benefit: Certain compounds and enzymes present in Betel nuts can nourish the reproductive organs and remove the debility associated with poor sexual performance. [7]

10. Has a diuretic action

Primary Benefit: Intake of Betel nuts can remove excess water and salt from your body due to its diuretic capacity.

Secondary Benefit: The benefits of betel nut leaves include reducing the swelling of hands and legs, and get rid of problems like oedema. [7]

How to use betel nut^[5]

There are several uses of betel nut, such as: 

1. By cutting the nuts into small pieces with the help of a Nutcracker, and chewing the small bits either raw or roasted. 
2. Betel nuts may be used either singularly, or in combination with the betel leaf, also known as ‘paan’.
3. You could also use betel nuts by drying them in the sun.
4. You could use betel nuts even by boiling them in water to prepare a decoction or juice.

Betel Nut Uses

1. As a Digestive Aid

Betel nut is used to aid digestion and alleviate symptoms of indigestion. It is believed to stimulate the production of saliva and digestive enzymes, which can improve the overall digestion process.

2. As a Mild Stimulant

Betel nut is known for its stimulant properties and is used to increase alertness and combat fatigue. Chewing betel nuts may provide a mild energy boost and enhance mental focus.

3. In Traditional Practices

In some cultures, betel nut holds cultural and social significance and is used in traditional ceremonies, rituals, and social gatherings [6].

4. As a natural mouth freshener

Roasted betel nuts may be chewed as a natural Mukhwas or mouth freshener.

Betel Nut Dosage

There is not much clinical information regarding the dosage of betel nuts. However, the benefits of eating betel nut is generally without any major effects. If you wish to consume betel nuts, talk to your doctor first. The dosage actually depends on a person’s age and health condition.

Potential Betel Nut Side Effects

Despite the potential betel nut benefits, it is important to be aware of the possible side effects associated with betel nut consumption. 

Addiction: Betel nut contains alkaloids, particularly arecoline, which can have stimulating and addictive effects [3]. 

Declining Oral Health: Prolonged and excessive betel nut chewing may lead to oral health issues such as stained teeth, gum problems, and an increased risk of oral cancer [4].

Declining Cardiovascular and Digestive Health: It may also have adverse effects on cardiovascular health and digestive function in some individuals.

Precautions to keep in mind

1. There is not much scientific evidence to show that betel nuts are safe for pregnant women and lactating mothers. Therefore, pregnant women and breast-feeding moms should definitely consult their doctor before using these nuts.
2. Consuming betel nuts may deteriorate the condition of patients with health issues like asthma, seizures, urinary tract infections, lung infections. Also, these nuts may cause blockages in the intestinal tract, leading to complications.
3. Betel nuts may interact with medications like medications for depression, Alzheimer’s disease, and drying medications, reducing their effectiveness.

FAQs

Conclusion

Betel nut, or Areca catechu, holds a significant place in Ayurveda due to its potential benefits for oral health, digestion, respiratory health, mood enhancement, and antioxidant activity. However, it is crucial to consider potential side effects and individual sensitivities before incorporating betel nuts into your routine. It is advisable to consult a qualified healthcare practitioner or Ayurvedic expert for personalized guidance and dosage recommendations.

Disclaimer:

The information provided here is for general information and not meant to substitute any medical advice. Please consult your doctor for appropriate medical consultation.

References:

1. Areca nut and its role in oral submucous fibrosis
2. Areca nut: a review
3. Areca nut dependence among chewers in a South Indian community who do not also use tobacco
4. Betel-quid and Areca-nut Chewing and Some Areca-nut-derived Nitrosamines
5. Development of Soaps Containing Betel Nut Extract
6. Betel leaf and betel nut in India: History and uses
7. Areca Nut