Betelbissen : Traditionelles Genussmittel mit Nebenwirkungen

The chewing of a betel quid or nut is a widespread tradition, in particular in Southeast Asia, for example, as a means of welcoming guests and friends. The ceremony surrounding the betel quid has become a highly developed cult, for which artistically designed instruments, bowls and boxes are used. The major component of betel quid, the seed of the areca palm (Areca catechu), is a psychotropic drug, the side effects of which include the destruction of the teeth, impairment of oral hygiene and bronchial asthma. The betel quid is an oral carcinogenic. The addition of tobacco increases athe risk of cancer of the pharynx and upper gastrointestinal tract.