Areca nut is a tropical plant, and its fruit is widely used in food and medicine. Betel nut has a long history and rich cultural background, and is loved by people in many countries and regions. In traditional Chinese medicine theory, betel nut is considered a medicinal herb with a variety of effects. This article will introduce the efficacy and role of betel nut in detail.
1. Basic information of betel nut.
Areca nut is an evergreen tree that belongs to the palm family. The fruit is oval or spherical in shape, with a purplish-brown outer skin and a white interior. The seeds of betel nut are rich in components such as areca nut and areca nut subline, which have medicinal value. Native to tropical regions such as Malaysia and Indonesia, betel nut is now also cultivated in southern China.
Second, the medicinal value of betel nut.
1.Deworming: Betel nut has the effect of deworming and deworming, and can be used for symptoms such as stagnation of food accumulation, abdominal distension and pain, and diarrhea and dysentery. Its active ingredient arecaine can act on the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract, increase its tension, speed up peristalsis, and promote digestion and excretion. At the same time, betel nut can also repel parasites in the body, such as roundworms, tapeworms, etc.
2.Water dilution and swelling: betel nut has the effect of water and swelling, and can be used for edema, athlete's foot and other symptoms. Relieves edema and bloating by promoting urine excretion.
3.Clearing heat and detoxifying: betel nut has the effect of clearing heat and detoxifying, and can be used for symptoms such as mouth ulcers and toothache caused by heat poisoning. At the same time, betel nut also helps to remove heat poison and fire in the body, and improves symptoms such as bad breath and dry throat.
4.Anti-tumor: Studies have shown that betel nut contains a variety of active ingredients, such as arecaine, arecanine, etc., which have certain anti-tumor effects. These components in areca nut are able to inhibit the growth and spread of cancer cells, thereby achieving an anti-tumor effect.
5.Antioxidant: Betel nut is rich in flavonoids and phenols, which have strong antioxidant activity. They can scavenge free radicals in the body, slow down the process of cell oxidative aging, and have a certain anti-aging effect.
3. How to eat betel nut.
1.Eaten directly: betel nut fruit can be eaten fresh or processed into dried fruit. When eating, you can cut betel nut into small slices and chew it with your teeth until you have reactions such as increased saliva secretion and facial heat. Be careful not to overdo it to avoid oral discomfort and digestive problems.
2.Cooking porridge: Cooking porridge with betel nut and rice can play a role in eliminating food accumulation, and is suitable for symptoms such as indigestion and abdominal distension.
3.Tea: Cut the betel nut into small slices and soak it in boiling water for about 10 minutes before drinking. It has the effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, diuresis and swelling.
4. Precautions.
1.Pregnant and lactating women should not consume betel nut as it contains irritating ingredients that may cause adverse effects on the fetus and baby.
2.Patients with oral diseases should not consume betel nut because its ingredients can cause irritation to the oral mucosa and aggravate the condition.
3.Long-term consumption of betel nut in large quantities may cause oral problems such as mouth ulcers, gingivitis, and may even lead to oral cancer. Therefore, betel nut should be consumed in moderation and oral hygiene should be taken care of.
4.Children and adolescents should also not consume betel nut because their bodies are not yet fully developed, and consuming betel nut may cause adverse effects on the body.
In short, betel nut, as a plant with rich medicinal value and edible efficacy, has a wide range of applications in traditional Chinese medicine and food. Correct and reasonable consumption of betel nut can lead to a variety of diseases and improve the level of physical health. However, it should be noted that betel nut consumption should be controlled in moderation to avoid adverse reactions and potential health risks. At the same time, people such as pregnant women, lactating women, people with oral diseases, children and adolescents should avoid the consumption of betel nut.