Areca fruit is often used in the betel tradition by some Indonesian people. In addition, betel nuts can also be processed into juice, coffee, herbal medicine, or consumed in supplement form.
The benefits of betel nuts are very diverse. The fruit, which is widely processed into coloring to make this snack, has a variety of nutrients that are good for health and its benefits are a pity to miss.
Areca fruit or areca seeds is a plant that belongs to the palm species. This fruit has long been known as a fruit that is beneficial for health. This is because betel nuts have various nutrients, such as:
- Protein
- Fat
- Complex carbohydrates
- Iron
- Vitamin B complex
- Calcium
- Phosphor
- Potassium
- Antioxidants, including flavonoids and polyphenols
Various Benefits of Areca Fruit for Health
Even though it has a small size, betel nuts have various benefits that are good for health. Some of the benefits of betel nuts are:
1. Maintain oral health and hygiene
Betel nuts are known to be beneficial for maintaining oral health. This is thanks to the antibacterial properties in betel nuts which can kill bad bacteria in the oral cavity as well as teeth and gums.
This fruit is also used traditionally to clean the mouth and treat problems with teeth and mouth, such as dry mouth, cavities, and tartar.
2. Lower blood pressure
The high content of tannins and potassium in betel nuts is useful for lowering and controlling blood pressure. This effect makes betel nuts safe and good for consumption by people with hypertension.
3. Prevent and overcome anemia
Betel nuts also contain iron which plays an important role in the formation of red blood cells. Therefore, betel nuts are good for preventing and treating anemia or anemia.
Apart from eating betel nuts, anemia can also be prevented by eating other foods that are rich in iron, such as meat, liver, fish, spinach, and soybeans.
4. Smooth digestion
In traditional medicine, betel nuts are often used to kill parasites, such as worms, in the digestive tract. Betel nuts can also stimulate bowel movements and treat digestive problems, such as flatulence and constipation.
5. Increase energy
Areca fruit contains natural alkaloid compounds and substances that are stimulants. The substances contained in betel nuts are useful for increasing energy and stamina, as well as increasing concentration power.
In addition to the various benefits above, areca fruit is also said to increase appetite, stimulate saliva production, and treat eye diseases, such as glaucoma.
However, there is no research that states that areca fruit is proven to be effective and safe for consumption as an herbal medicine to treat various diseases. Therefore, you should consult your doctor first if you want to use betel nuts as a treatment.
In general, betel nuts are still considered good as an herbal supplement or healthy food. However, you are not advised to consume them excessively or in the long term, because this fruit has not been proven to be completely safe for health.
Although rare, betel nuts can also cause allergic reactions in some people. This reaction can trigger symptoms of itching, nausea, diarrhea, and shortness of breath. If you experience an allergic reaction after eating betel nuts, immediately go to the doctor or visit the nearest hospital.
