In Taiwan, the oral-cancer rate is almost three times as high as in the U.S., and four times higher than that of Japan. Paan, a preparation of betel nut, lime paste, cardamom and turmeric, is chewed often as a post-dinner stimulant or digestive throughout the subcontinent. South Asians, too, have much higher rates of mouth, throat and esophagus cancer than populations that do not consume betel nuts. It may be that a high copper content causes oral cancer, according to British medical journal, The Lancet. There is no recommended dietary allowance for copper, but only 1.5 mg to 3 mg per day is considered safe.
More research is under way to determine if there are other carcinogenic elements in the nuts.
And even though results are not conclusive, most in the medical community agree that betel should be classified in the same family as tobacco and alcohol. All Rights Reserved. Terms under which this service is provided to you. Read our privacy guidelines .