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Betel Nut

All articles tagged with #betel nut

Ancient Vietnamese teeth dyed black: iron-based paste reveals 2,000-year-old beauty trend
science7 days ago

Ancient Vietnamese teeth dyed black: iron-based paste reveals 2,000-year-old beauty trend

Archaeologists studying 2,000-year-old skulls from Vietnam’s Dong Xa Iron Age site found iron oxide and sulfur in tooth enamel, indicating ancient people dyed their teeth black with an iron–tannin paste—likely using tannins from betel nut. The practice, dating to the Iron Age, was a cosmetic trend that persisted in parts of Southeast Asia and would have required days to weeks of application with periodic touch-ups.

health1 year ago

"Breaking Tradition: Dentists' Role in Preventing Oral Cancer Deaths"

The Commonwealth Cancer Association in the CNMI is raising awareness for Oral Cancer Awareness Month, highlighting the prevalence of oral cancer due to betel nut and tobacco use. Survivor Melvin Manahane emphasized the need to address the cultural tradition of chewing betel nut and tobacco, which contributes to addiction and death. Dr. Angelica Sabino stressed the economic, social, and physical impact of oral cancer on the community, calling for aggressive action to decrease its prevalence through education, prevention, and mental health support. The CCA is committed to raising awareness and education about all types of cancer, with a focus on promoting healthy habits and regular screenings. Governor Arnold I. Palacios and Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang urged citizens to unite in the battle against oral cancer, emphasizing the importance of breaking harmful habits and prioritizing regular screenings.

The Alarming Link Between an Addictive Nut and Skyrocketing Cancer Rates
health2 years ago

The Alarming Link Between an Addictive Nut and Skyrocketing Cancer Rates

The market for betel nut consumption, an addictive nut regarded as the world's fourth most widely-used psychoactive substance, continues to boom despite its classification as a carcinogen twenty years ago. With over 600 million regular chewers globally, the nut's production has more than doubled in the last two decades. However, studies have shown a clear connection between betel nut consumption and oral cancer, particularly in countries where it is widely consumed. The high rates of oral cancer in Papua New Guinea, where betel nut chewing is prevalent, highlight the urgent need for regulation and awareness of the health risks associated with this habit.