Chewing betel leaves and arec nuts

Do you know that the most consumed agricultural product of Maldives is betel leaves.
yes it is, and if you walk near the hotels in Male' you may see red coloured spit across the pavement and it may be appelaing for someone who doesnt know much about this habit.You could get see amazing shapes and sizes of red coloured spit.Sometimes i wonder whether we can promote it as a form of art.Dentists cry out that its causing gum disease in our people. Yet it is believed that it improves digestion and freshens mouth.Also betel leaves provides a good source of income for some islands like Nolhivarn in Hdh Atoll.

About BETEL LEAVES
The betel plant is called nagvalli in sanscrit language meaning serpentine growth. The betel plant is a slender creeper which has alternate, heart shaped, smooth, lustrous dark green leaves with pointed apex. Leaves are edible part of plant which is bitter in taste but aromatic. A cultivated taste creates pan lovers but overeating leads to addiction.

Betel leaf is in use from ancient times as a digestive edible. It is anti-flatulent and mouth freshener. It induces secretion of saliva and digestive juices and generates peristaltic wave which is very important for digestion. It helps digestive tract in functioning well.

Betel leaf is considered aphrodisiac i.e. an agent which stimulates sexual desire. It is a common practice to offer masalapan to newly married couple before retiring to bed. It adds to love making and pleasures is a common belief.

It has a diuretic property also. Betel leaf juice given with milk or honey helps in easing urination.

One ayurvedic school has suggested use of betel leaf in aches and pains, especially nervous in origin. It has analgesic and cooling properties.
THE NEWZEALND HEALTH NETWORK