Why Do People Pair Betel Leaves with Chewing Gum?

Betel nut tastes bitter and astringent. Eating betel nut with leaves can help improve the taste, making the betel nut less bitter and astringent. Additionally, it can reduce the roughness of betel nut and mitigate the damage it causes to the oral cavity. The hardness of betel nut can cause damage to the oral mucosa, leading to dry mouth and thirst, and in severe cases, it may even cause oral ulcers. Long-term chewing of betel nut can also increase the risk of developing oral cancer.

1. Improve taste: Eating betel nut with leaves can alleviate the bitter and astringent taste. The leaves are from a vine plant, commonly known as lao leaves in Hainan. They are oval or oblong in shape, with thick and dark green leaves, and have a pungent taste.

2. Avoid damage: The fibers of betel nut are very rough and can cause damage to the oral cavity when eaten directly. The leaves can reduce the roughness of betel nut and help avoid oral damage to a certain extent.

1. Harm to oral health: The betel nuts sold on the market are usually dried and very hard, similar to chewing bark. This texture can damage the oral mucosa during chewing, causing dry mouth and thirst at a minimum, and difficulty swallowing in severe cases. Frequent chewing of betel nut can also lead to the occurrence of oral ulcers that are difficult to heal.

2. Risk of oral cancer: Betel nut is actually a carcinogenic substance, and because it is addictive, people tend to consume more and more. Long-term ingestion of betel nut alkaloids can lead to fibrosis of the oral mucosa, which can gradually develop into oral cancer. Cancer is a serious health issue, and quitting betel nut as soon as possible can help maintain good health.