The Dark Truth About Pan Masala

Pan masala is a mixture of betel nut (supari), lime, catechu (kattha) and various flavouring agents. It is consumed by millions across India and is available in attractive, easy-to-carry sachets costing just 1-2 rupees, making it popular among youngsters, women and children. Pan masala is often called smokeless tobacco as it is not smoked but rather chewed and the juices are spat out. However, it is highly addictive and has harmful effects on the human body, including the oral cavity, liver, kidneys and reproductive organs.

Pan masala is a mixture of betel nut, lime, catechu and flavouring agents

The main ingredients of pan masala are betel nut (also known as supari or areca nut), lime (in powdered or slaked form), and catechu (also called kattha or khatha). These are combined with various flavouring agents to create a unique taste. The betel nut is a key ingredient, known for its stimulating effects and has been used for centuries in various cultural practices.

In addition to these core components, pan masala may also include other ingredients such as fennel seeds, sugar-coated seeds (including sesame, fennel, and coriander), mint leaves, cardamom, pure menthol, areca nuts, and other flavourings. The combination of these ingredients creates a refreshing and flavourful experience for the consumer.

However, it is important to note that the consumption of pan masala has raised health concerns. Studies have shown that pan masala can have harmful effects on the human body, including the oral cavity, liver, kidneys, and reproductive organs. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified betel nut as a Group 1 carcinogen, indicating strong evidence of its cancer-causing potential. Additionally, the slaked lime in pan masala can contribute to the formation of tumours in the mouth.

Due to these health concerns, there have been efforts to regulate and restrict the consumption of pan masala. Some states in India have already banned the sale and advertising of pan masala products, particularly those containing tobacco. It is important for consumers to be aware of the potential risks associated with this product and to make informed decisions regarding its consumption.

It is consumed by millions across India, especially popular with youngsters, women and children

Pan masala is a popular product in India, with millions of consumers across the country, particularly among youngsters, women, and children. Its popularity can be attributed to its availability in attractive and convenient sachets, costing only 1-2 rupees each. This affordable and easily carried product has made it widely accessible to people from all walks of life.

One of the reasons for its popularity among women is that it is considered a smokeless tobacco product, allowing them to avoid the social stigma associated with smoking. The sweet or savory flavours added to pan masala also make it more appealing to women and young people. The base ingredient of pan masala is typically fennel seeds, with additional sugar-coated seeds such as sesame, fennel, and coriander. Other ingredients like mint leaves, cardamom, powdered lime, pure menthol, catechu, betel nuts, and areca nuts further enhance the flavour and freshness.

However, the widespread consumption of pan masala has raised serious health concerns. Studies have shown that it can negatively affect almost every part of the human body, including the oral cavity, liver, kidneys, and reproductive organs. The main constituent, betel nut, has been classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) since 1985. Chewing pan masala has been linked to poor dental hygiene, burning sensations in the mouth, decreased mouth opening, and an increased risk of oral cancer.

The risk of cancer is further exacerbated when combined with other harmful habits like smoking and alcohol consumption. Animal studies have revealed that pan masala can lead to tumours in the lung, stomach, liver, testes, and skin. It also damages the liver, disrupts fat and carbohydrate metabolism, harms the kidneys and testes, and causes abnormalities in sperm. With such a wide range of detrimental effects, there is an urgent need for strong government action to regulate the consumption of pan masala and educate the public about its dangers.

Pan masala is carcinogenic, genotoxic and has harmful effects on the body

Pan masala is a mixture of betel nut (supari), lime, catechu (kattha), and various flavouring agents. It is widely consumed across all sections of Indian society and is freely available in many parts of the country. It is often used as a breath freshener after meals, especially spicy ones. However, it is important to note that pan masala is highly harmful to health and has severe effects on the human body.

Pan masala has been identified as carcinogenic and genotoxic. The main constituent of pan masala, betel nut, has been classified as a Group I carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) since 1985. In humans, it is a leading cause of oral submucous fibrosis, which often progresses to oral cancer. Chewers of pan masala experience poor dental hygiene, a burning sensation, decreased mouth opening, and pre-cancerous spots with a high chance of converting to oral cancer. The risk of cancer increases when combined with other harmful habits such as smoking and drinking.

The harmful effects of pan masala extend beyond the oral cavity. Animal studies have shown that it leads to tumours in the lung, stomach, liver, testes, and skin. It is hepatotoxic, causing increased levels of enzymes and deranged carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. Pan masala also adversely affects the kidneys and testes, leading to increased creatinine levels and sperm deformities, respectively.

The highly addictive nature of pan masala is concerning, with regular users experiencing withdrawal symptoms after 2-3 hours of abstinence. The availability of pan masala in attractive and easy-to-carry sachets costing just 1-2 rupees has made it popular among youngsters, women, and even children. There is an urgent need for strong government action to restrict the consumption of pan masala, enforce existing laws, and ban direct and indirect advertising to counter the false claims made by manufacturers and the glamorous marketing associated with it.

It is often marketed as a mouth freshener and is glamorised by celebrity brand ambassadors

Pan masala is a mixture of betel nut (supari), lime, catechu (kattha), and various flavouring agents. It is consumed by millions across India and is commonly served after meals as a breath freshener or digestive aid. Despite its popularity, pan masala has been linked to harmful effects on the human body, including poor dental hygiene, burning sensation in the mouth, decreased mouth opening, and an increased risk of oral cancer.

To enhance its appeal and normalize its consumption, the pan masala industry often employs celebrity endorsements in its marketing campaigns. Medical practitioner P C Gupta remarked on the glamorization of pan masala by celebrity brand ambassadors, which has contributed to its widespread popularity. This marketing strategy is particularly effective in India, where celebrities are highly influential and revered.

The list of celebrities who have endorsed pan masala brands includes prominent names such as Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Akshay Kumar, Ranveer Singh, Ajay Devgn, Salman Khan, and Hrithik Roshan. These endorsements often feature exotic locations and opulent lifestyles, associating the product with success and luxury. The industry spends a substantial amount of their marketing budget on signing these celebrities, especially during high-profile events like the Indian Premier League (IPL).

While pan masala companies do not directly advertise their products due to bans on the advertisement of tobacco-containing mixtures, they promote individual ingredients like 'elaichi' (cardamom) or 'gul' (flower) that are free from tobacco and other addictive substances. This surrogate advertising allows them to circumvent legal restrictions while still benefiting from brand recognition.

The use of celebrity endorsements in the marketing of pan masala has raised ethical concerns. Celebrities who endorse these products are criticized for neglecting their social and moral obligations, especially when their influence on youth is considered. As a result, some celebrities, such as Amitabh Bachchan, have faced backlash and terminated their endorsement contracts.

The betel nut in pan masala contains nitrosamines which are carcinogenic

Pan masala is a mixture of betel nut (supari), lime, catechu (kattha), and various flavouring agents. It is consumed by millions across India and is especially popular among youngsters, women, and children due to its attractive and easy-to-carry sachets, which cost just 1-2 rupees. However, despite its widespread consumption and cultural significance, pan masala has severe negative effects on human health.

The betel nut, a key ingredient in pan masala, has been classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) since 1985. This classification means that there is strong evidence that betel nut can cause cancer. Betel nut contains nitrosamines, which are carcinogenic and harmful to the human body. Chewing betel nut can lead to poor dental hygiene, a burning sensation in the mouth, decreased mouth opening, and pre-cancerous spots that have a high chance of converting to oral cancer.

The carcinogenic effects of betel nut have been further confirmed by animal studies, which have shown that pan masala consumption leads to tumours in the lung, stomach, liver, testes, and skin. It also damages the liver, disturbs fat and carbohydrate metabolism, harms the kidneys and testes, and causes abnormalities in sperm. The risk of cancer is further exacerbated when combined with other harmful habits such as smoking and drinking.

The harmful effects of betel nut are not limited to cancer. Betel nut is the fourth most common psychoactive substance in the world, and its consumption can lead to addiction and negative health consequences. The slaked lime in pan masala, while not yet classified as a carcinogen, can also form tumours in the mouth. Therefore, it is crucial to spread awareness about the dangers of consuming pan masala and to regulate the sale and advertising of this harmful product, especially to vulnerable groups such as women and children.

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