Overview
Betel nuts are seeds of a palm tree species called Areca catechu that are chewed as a recreational stimulant. It’s the fourth most commonly used substance associated with addiction in the world after alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine. That might be surprising to many in cultures driven by Western trends, but it’s used with relative regularity in South Asian nations and the Pacific islands, particularly for special occasions and local traditions. The market for it is localized and decentralized unlike tobacco, which has massive multinational conglomerates lobbying against regulations.
The World Health Organization (WHO) categorizes betel nuts, through the alkaloid called arecoline, as a Group 1 carcinogen right next to alcohol and tobacco. It’s a leading cause of oral and esophageal cancers among other health issues like tooth decay and painful stiffness in the jaw. The United States outright bans the importation of betel nuts.