Betel nut ranks among the most harmful substances globally, following nicotine, alcohol, and caffeine.
Many individuals who chew betel nut also smoke cigarettes, which negatively affects both their cardiovascular and respiratory health.
In impoverished communities, residents consume betel nut wrapped in leaves to alleviate hunger.
The trend of betel nut chewing is increasingly seen among schoolchildren in developing nations like India.
Chewing betel nut can lead to the development of severe conditions such as oral mucosal fibrosis, which can contribute to oral cancers.
The alkaloids in betel nut, including arecoline, have detrimental effects on both the nervous and cardiovascular systems.
In India, the consumption of betel nut is primarily found in the North Eastern Region, coastal regions, and certain areas of the northern plains.
In India, particularly in the Khasi region of Meghalaya, the use of betel nut and its byproducts as chewing items is widely accepted in society.
The early adoption of this habit is alarming and indicates a pressing need for intervention to prevent addiction.
Reports have indicated the widespread prevalence of betel nut chewing among schoolchildren in various regions.