Betel leaf is a vine from the family of Piperaceae, mostly consumed in India and Asia as a ‘Paan’ along with ‘Arcea Nut’ or tobacco.
In India, the sheaf of betel leaves is offered to Gods, elders in the family as a mark of respect during festivals and functions. However, these glossy, heart-shaped leaves are often ignored for the huge amount of health benefits they offer to mankind.
Betel leaves come with several curative health benefits as they are loaded with vitamins like Vitamin C, thiamine, niacin, riboflavin, carotene and a great source of calcium.
Betel leaf is an excellent analgesic that offers instant relief from pain. It can be used in alleviating pain caused due to cuts, bruises, rashes. Make a paste with tender betel leaves and apply it to the affected area. Betel leaf juice provides relief from internal pains in the body.
Betel leaves are a powerhouse of antioxidants that clear radicals from the body. It restores normal PH levels in the body and helps an upset stomach. Ayurveda widely recommends eating betel leaves for relief from constipation. Crush betel leaves and put them in the water overnight. Drink the water in the morning on an empty stomach to ease bowel movements.
Ever wondered why chew on betel leaf after a good meal? It is recommended because of its carminative, intestinal, anti-flatulent and for those properties that help in protecting the gut. Betel leaves increase metabolism triggering circulation and stimulating the intestines to absorb vital vitamins and nutrients
Betel leaves have amazing antiseptic properties as they are rich in polyphenols especially chavicol offering dual protection from germs. It is also used extensively in treating arthritis and orchitis.
Betel leaves are bestowed with numerous antimicrobial agents, that effectively combat a host of bacteria dwelling in the mouth which trigger a distinctly bad smell, as well as issues of cavities, plaque and tooth decay. Chewing a tiny amount of paan leaves paste after meals not only boosts gut wellness but also fights bad breath, mouth odour, as well as relieves toothaches, gum pain, swelling and oral infections.
Several studies have revealed that betel leaf powder has the potential to lower blood sugar spikes in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic patients. Betel leaf is a strong antioxidant that helps in combatting oxidative stress and lower .inflammation caused due to uncontrolled blood glucose and supports in the management of diabetes mellitus.
Betel leaves when taken with tobacco and betel nuts is the causative factor for increasing the risk of oral cancer but it should be noted that betel leaf alone is packed with valuable phenolic compounds that possess antioxidant, anti-mutagenic and anti-proliferative properties. Aside from these, betel leaves also contain a wealth of phytochemicals that possess cancer-fighting benefits.
Betel leaves is used for ages as a natural remedy for stimulating the central nervous system function. The presence of aromatic phenolic compounds in betel leaves stimulate the release of catecholamines which supports in enhancing the sense of well-being and uplifts mood. Therefore chewing betel leaves alone is a simple way to beat depression.
betel leaf
ReplyDelete