Do not chew betel nut
Betel-quid chewers had about 20% higher mortality than non-chewers, and nearly 50% higher diabetes and metabolic-syndrome risks. Oral and esophageal cancer risks are additional concerns.
What it takes
Free, takes no time and saves the purchase price. Breaking the chewing habit is the challenge.
What you may gain
A meta-analysis of 17 Asian studies involving about 388,000 people found 21% higher all-cause mortality among chewers (relative risk 1.21, P=0.02); the mortality analysis included 179,600 people. Diabetes risk was 47% higher (1.47) and metabolic syndrome 51% higher (1.51). Betel nut is also an established risk factor for oral and esophageal cancer.
Context & considerations
Oral cancer risk rises with years of chewing and daily amount, and declines over time after quitting. Betel quid containing tobacco is more dangerous.
Research & references
Yamada T, Hara K, Kadowaki T (2013). Chewing betel quid and the risk of metabolic disease, cardiovascular disease, and all-cause mortality: a meta-analysis. PLoS One, 8(8), e70679. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0070679