Just like desserts are a must after a meal, “Paan” or betel leaf with areca nut (supari) is a must after every Indian thali and in every Indian wedding. This is because it is known to ease the digestion process. But as tasty as it is, the main ingredient in paan, i.e. the betel leaf has many medicinal properties. Betel leaf belongs to the Piperaceae family and is botanically known as piper betel and as paan in Hindi. It can serve as a remedy for many common health problems.
According to a research article on the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), betel leaves act as a detoxifier, i.e. it helps in removing the toxins from the body. Also, regular intake of betel leaves can help in warding off diseases of the mouth and preventing diabetes. It is also considered good for the immune system and for heart health.
In addition to this, betel leaves have antioxidative, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antiulcer properties. Experts say that the use of betel leaves can be beneficial in headaches, eye conditions, earache, mouth diseases, and cold in children. Furthermore, it helps in whooping cough, cold, heart conditions as well as respiratory problems.
If we talk about the nutrients it contains, betel leaves are rich in water, protein, fat, mineral, fiber, chlorophyll, carbohydrate, nicotine acid, vitamin C, vitamin A, riboflavin, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, iron, iodine, and calories, etc. Consumption of betel leaves helps in the prevention and control of many diseases and medical conditions. Some of them are:
- Improves Digestion
Chewing betel leaves makes our salivary glands more active, which produces a large number of enzymes that help indigestion. At the same time, betel leaves have antioxidant properties, which remove the harmful free radicals and toxins from the digestive system. It also reduces and controls acidity that occurs due to pH imbalance in the stomach and provides relief from gas and constipation problems. It also helps in increasing the appetite. - Beneficial For Dental Health
Paan is most commonly known as a mouth freshener that helps get rid of bad breath. However, the medicinal properties of betel leaves also protect against germs, bacteria, and other pathogens causing diseases in the mouth. Chewing betel leaf also benefits tooth decay issues and strengthens the gums and teeth. It also provides relief in bleeding in the mouth. - Alleviates Cold And Cough
Betel leaves help alleviate certain respiratory problems. It is very helpful in problems like cough, chest or lung infection, and asthma. Not just its consumption, but heating and keeping it over the chest for local heat application, provides relief in respiratory diseases. Also, antibiotic properties present in it alleviates phlegm. Gargling and rinsing the mouth with water that has been pre-boiled with betel leaves is good for throat problems. - Good Diuretic
Betel leaf is considered to be a good diuretic. Its intake greatly benefits those who face the issue of less urination and other urinary problems. - Reduces Weight
Betel leaf can be seen to be helpful in reducing obesity because it contains fiber. Paan can help you keep your weight under control. - Protects Against Cancer
Extracts of betel leaves have anti-cancer properties that prevent cancer from developing and tumors from growing in the body. - Prevents Body Odour
Not just the bad breath from the mouth, the extracts of betel leaves also help with the problem of body odor. To get rid of body odor, you can boil water with betel leaves, cool it down, and then bathe with it. You can also soak some betel leaves in the water sometime before bathing. It provides long-term relief in body odor. - Mouth Ulcers
Researches have shown that betel leaves have antiulcer properties that can be helpful in curing mouth ulcers. If someone is suffering from mouth ulcers, it is advised to eat paan-containing catechu (Kattha). - Provides Relief In Swelling
A chemical called Phenol is found in the oil extracted from the betel leaves. It is also known as Methyl and it consists of antiseptic properties. This is helpful in relieving inflammation or swelling in the joints caused due to arthritis. - Beneficial In Diabetes
Antidiabetic properties can be found in betel leaves, which is why they are considered beneficial in dealing with diabetes. It helps in regulating the blood sugar levels in the body.
