US-Iran war CJP protest in Delhi US-Saudi nuclear deal Commonwealth Games 2026 Wildfires in Europe

Should you eat paan? The answer is not as straight-forward as you may think

Here’s a look at different types of paan, and what it is that you’re putting into your body when you consume it.

Myupchar|Nov 15, 2019, 16:08:57 IST

Ever wondered why so many Indians stop at the local panwari for a paan to help digest their food after a heavy meal? Or what even goes into making a paan? Here’s a look at different types of paan, and what it is that you’re putting into your body when you consume it:

Saada paan

The common denominator in all paans is the betel leaf. Some studies have endorsed its therapeutic properties - it is thought to have anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic properties, and also help with digestive issues like bloating.[caption id="attachment_7657161" align="alignleft" width="380"]

Representational image. Image source: Getty Images.

Image source: Getty Images.[/caption]Though there hasn’t been much research on its health benefits, the trials that have been done also expound the benefits of paan as a cure for halitosis (bad breath), and even claim that it has ameliorative effects on diabetes.

Meetha paan

To make this fragrant, sweet treat, most panwaris will sprinkle a betel leaf with water. Next, they’ll spread chuna or slaked lime over it, followed by a generous sprinkling of mukhwas (mouth freshener), catechu which is another breath freshening agent, rose powder, a mysterious khushboo powder, various chutneys, saunf (fennel seeds), dry dates and gulkand which is a sweet preserve of rose petals.Of course, depending on which part of the country you buy your paan from, it can have different ingredients in different ratios. But most varieties of meetha paan have some quantity of gulkand, which is thought to relieve constipation, reduce sweating and improve body odour.

Supari paan

The ingredients may vary by stall, as does the quality and composition. A fairly common ingredient, though, is supari or crushed areca nut. The World Health Organization considers the areca nut carcinogenic and many studies have linked it to cancers of the mouth, oesophagus, and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. It does not matter if paan has tobacco or not, the supari is enough to make it an unhealthy, and dangerous, food choice.According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the harmful effects of a supari paan outweigh the benefits.

Paan masala

The last decade has seen a drop in the production of betel leaves - the water-intensive crop can be expensive to grow. Tinned versions of powdered paan, sometimes laced with tobacco, called paan masala seem to have taken over. They are cheaper, more convenient to consume and store, and compositionally even more ambiguous than paan. Following court orders on a ban on chewable tobacco, paan masala companies have rebranded their products as nicotine-free. The premium ones even carry health warnings and some information on ingredients. However, there are several cheaper, local alternatives that carry no warnings nor details of what they’re made of.Interestingly, paan masala companies seem to have distanced themselves from gutka, which is also a mixture of betel quid and has been flagged for its negative effects on health. (In a spot survey, panwaris insisted that gutka is different from paan masala but couldn’t satisfactorily explain how.) It appears that gutka is betel quid with tobacco mixed in, making it an even more harmful substance.Health articles in Firstpost are written by myUpchar.com, India’s first and biggest resource for verified medical information. At myUpchar, researchers and journalists work with doctors to bring you information on all things health. For more information, please read our articles on the betel leaf and gulkand.

10,000 steps a day is not enough: Top doctor explains the role of timing

Walking 10,000 steps a day is beneficial, but experts say timing matters. Short walks after meals and breaking up long periods of sitting may be more effective for blood sugar control and overall metabolic health

3 min read

What happens when you stop drinking tea for 30 days? Doctor explains the effects

Thinking of quitting tea for a month? Experts explain how cutting out caffeine can affect your body, from withdrawal symptoms in the first week to better sleep and improved iron absorption over time.

2 min read

Stroke is rising among young adults. Doctor explains why it's happening and what you must do

Stroke is increasingly affecting adults in their 30s, 40s and 50s. Experts say unhealthy lifestyles, undiagnosed high blood pressure and delayed treatment are driving the rise in younger stroke cases

3 min read

Stroke in young adults, silent symptoms and late diagnosis: India's growing brain health challenge

Neurologists warn that stroke is increasingly affecting people in their 30s and 40s, while many brain disorders progress silently before symptoms appear. They say early diagnosis, timely referrals and healthier lifestyles are key to reducing India's growing neurological disease burden.

5 min read

Brain tumours aren't always fatal, but delayed diagnosis can be: Experts explain the key warning signs

Brain tumours are frequently mistaken for common headaches, stress or age-related cognitive changes. Doctors say recognising warning signs early and adopting a brain-healthy lifestyle can improve outcomes and reduce the risk of long-term neurological complications.