Health Benefits of Betel Leaves (Pan Patta)

Betel leaves are a treasure of health benefits and have been used since ancient times. Many methods of consuming betel leaves hold cultural significance as well. These leaves are easily available but are neglected due to the misconception attached to them, as they are popularly consumed with toxic substances like areca seeds.

Consuming betel leaves without such substances may cause health problems. Read further to learn the detailed health benefits of betel leaves.

What are Betel Leaves?

Betel leaves are also known as “Green gold” as they hold treasures of nutritional value. They are heart-shaped leaves and appear in the color dark green.

These leaves are majorly cultivated in Indian states like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam, etc., as they prefer to grow in warm and humid climates.

Moreover, these leaves are essential as they are used in cooking and hold great cultural significance. It is used as an offering in religious ceremonies in many Asian cultures. ^[1]

Other Names of Betel Leaves 

Betel leaves are scientifically known as Piper betle. As India is a diverse country and language changes every few 100 km, it is known by different names in different regions. The table below shows it.

Nutritional Profile of Betel Leaves 

The nutritional profile of betel leaves is given below ^[14]–

Health Benefits of Betel Leaves 

1. Betel Leaves as an Antioxidant

The antioxidant properties of betel leaves may help the body in building immunity. Paan leaves contain compounds like catechins, eugenol, and hydroxychavicol that are categorized under Phenolic Compounds.^[2]

These compounds efficiently boost the body’s antioxidant activity and reduce stress. It may also assist in strengthening the natural defense system of the body by building and improving the functioning of enzymes like catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), etc.

2. Betel Leaves Against Cancer

Betel leaves may protect against cancer due to their anti-cancer properties. The compound Hydroxychavicol is present in paan leaves and maybe a very good source of restricting the growth of cells that lead to cancer.

It may also stop the formation of new cancerous blood cells. Consuming betel leaves and a healthy, balanced diet may have several other health benefits against diseases. ^[3]

However, doctor consultation is strongly recommended when dealing with diseases like cancer and ensuring that they approve the change in diet to ensure safety.

3. May Help in Healing Wounds

Betel leaves, which possess antibacterial properties, may help heal wounds. They may also help protect cells and increase the body’s capacity to fight harmful bacteria. Due to its antifungal properties, it may also act as an antiseptic. Essential oils extracted from these leaves may help heal skin infections and prevent the growth of bacteria on wounds. 

Compounds present in betel leaves effectively reduce blood loss from wounds in the early stage as they work well in tightening the tissues. ^[4]

You may get a Dietician Consultation by Aashirvaad to get answers to all your queries and expert insights.

4. Betel Leaves as an Anti-inflammatory

Chronic inflammation in the body may indicate abnormal functioning of a certain organ or infections. Paan leaves may help reduce inflammation by treating the cause of such abnormalities.

Paan leaves have been significant in Ayurvedic medicines for a long time due to their natural healing properties. ^[5]

Flavonoids are a compound in betel leaves that is well-known for their healing properties and for reducing inflammation.

5. May Promote Better Eye Health

Betel leaves may help in promoting better eye health.

It may also prevent cataracts, as the anti-inflammation properties may help preserve eye lenses. ^[6]

Being a sensitive organ, the eye may need extra care and protection, so it is important to take an expert opinion. You can visit Ask an Expert by Aashirvaad to get your queries answered and more clarity about consuming certain food items. 

6. Betel Leaves for Diabetes

Compounds found in betel leaves may help reduce blood sugar levels by improving insulin release.

Also, paan leaves may enhance the responsiveness to insulin, which may aid better glucose utilization and blood sugar management.^[7]

Chewing a few fresh betel leaves is a traditional practice for lowering blood sugar levels. However, it is also advised to take the opinion of medical experts.

7. May Help in Digestion

A good digestive system is very essential for maintaining overall health and a happy tummy. Paan leaves may aid digestion as they promote good bacteria in the gut, improving gut health.

They may also help the body better absorb food and gain maximum value from it. A healthy digestive system may also prevent abdominal pain or discomfort due to gastric issues or bloating.

Chewing betel leaves after meals holds a cultural significance that may stimulate digestion as the juice released on chewing them is considered to have digestive effects. ^[8]

Know your digestive health better by taking a Digestive Quotient test by Aashirvaad and make wise choices when selecting a meal plan.

8. Betel Leaves for Obesity

Consumption of paan etel leaves may help increase metabolism, leading to weight loss. Eating a balanced diet high in protein and low in carbohydrates may be equally important.

Replacing sugar tea with tea made by infusing paan leaves in water and honey may help cut down extra calories from your diet, which may help tackle obesity. ^[9]

At My Meal Plan by Aashirvaad, you can customize a meal plan to your taste preferences and meet your individual needs.

Betel Leaves in Ayurveda

Ayurveda has trusted the paan leaves since ancient times to treat several health problems. Paan leaves were used in various forms, either for direct consumption or applied on the skin as a paste to relieve cough, cold, skin rash, etc.

This medicinal plant was considered in making many herbal medicines as well. It was used as a natural antioxidant to purify the blood and detoxify the body. Also, the healing power of these leaves was used to make antiseptics to maintain oral health. ^[10]

Tips for Storing Betel Leaves 

Betel leaves can be stored in the following ways to prevent spoilage and increase the shelf life – ^[11]

• Betel leaves can be stored in the refrigerator after being properly wrapped in cloth or zip-lock bags that are suitable for freezing.
• Paan leaves can be stored by submerging them in water, keeping them fresh for a short duration. In warm weather, even sprinkling water on the leaves can work.
• When storing them in the containers it is important to strip all the moisture out from them.
• The leaves should be kept away from sunlight to prevent them from drying and retain their freshness.
• Even when storing paan leaves in dried form, it is essential to dry them in the shade rather than direct sunlight and then store them in an airtight container, preferably a glass container. 

Ways to Consume Betel Leaves

 Betel leaves may be consumed in several ways that are listed below:

• Chewing – Paan leaves may be directly consumed by chewing it. The juice extracted from chewing these leaves has numerous health benefits if consumed in moderation.
• Juice – Juice may also be consumed in the form of juice by directly grinding the washed leaves along with some water. This tonic may also be used to soothe the throat by gargling.
• Infusing – Boiling paan leaves and letting them infuse may be another way of consuming them. This infused water can be used as a tea by adding honey.
• Paste – Paan leaves can be converted into a paste by grinding it and used as desired. It may be directly applied to the skin for several skin benefits.
• Flouring agent – It may be used in dishes by cooking it or directly adding it to salads, soups, etc.

Recipes with Betel Leaves 

Recipe 1: Betel Leave Chaat

Ingredients

• Betel leaves – 4
• Gram flour – 1 cup
• Oil
• Boiled chickpeas – ½ cup
• Boiled potatoes – ½ cup
• Salt to taste
• Tamarind chutney
• Green chutney
• Curd
• Black pepper
• Red chilli powder

Method

• Add gram flour to a container, salt to taste, and water to form a batter.
• Coat the washed betel in the batter and fry it till turned golden brown.
• While the leaves are being fried, prepare the chaat mixture.
• Boil chickpeas and potatoes in a bowl and mash them slightly. Then add salt, chili powder, black pepper, and any other spices you like and mix it properly.
• Take the fried Paan leaves and place the chaat mixture on them. Top it with tamarind, green chutney, and curd.
• Enjoy the crispy Paan leaves chaat.

Recipe 2: Betel leaf smoothie

Ingredients

• Betel leaves – 3-4
• Kiwi – 1
• Honey – 2 tsp
• Ice cubes
• Water
• Spinach – ½ cup

Method

• Take a grinder jar and add all the ingredients in it.
• Grind it along with water to attain the desired consistency.
• Pour it into the glass and enjoy the refreshing drink.

Recipe 3: Betel Leaves Fried rice

Ingredients

• Cooked rice – 2 cups
• Chopped carrots
• Chopped beans
• Chopped onion
• Garlic
• Salt
• Turmeric
• Chilli powder
• Cumin seeds
• Garam masala
• Butter/oil

Method

• Heat a pan and add oil/butter to it.
• Add garlic cloves and onion and sauté until the onion turns golden brown.
• Add all the chopped vegetables and then add the cooked rice to it.
• Add all the condiments to it along with some water, cover the lid, and it cooks properly.
• Please turn off the flame, garnish it with coriander leaves, and enjoy.

Side Effects of Betel Leaves 

Some side effects of betel leaves are important to pay attention to. These are listed below – ^[12]

• Oral Health Diseases – Regular chewing of paan leaves and tobacco may lead to oral health diseases and harm overall health.
• Abdominal Pain and Discomfort— Paan leaves may also cause abdominal pain and discomfort in some individuals. People with weak digestive systems may have trouble digesting them. 
• May be Addictive – Regular chewing of Paan leaves may be addictive. Paan leaves, usually used as a base for paan when accompanied by other ingredients like areca nut, may be very addictive in nature.
• Allergic Reaction— Some individuals may react to Paan leaves after consuming them. They may experience burning oral sensations, excessive salivating, a rash, etc.
• Risk of Cancer – Consuming paan leaves may increase the risk of cancer due to the juice released on chewing them. ^[13]

Final Words

It can be concluded that Paan leaves have some excellent health benefits and have been used in traditional medicine since ancient times. The techniques mentioned may help increase the shelf life of the leaves and keep them fresh for a longer duration.

It may be used in culinary dishes to enhance their nutritional value and taste by using the recipes stated above. However, it may have some side effects for some, and it should be consumed only after ensuring no allergic reaction for the individual.

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