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Recent research has shown that consuming nuts may improve
cardiovascular health and lower the risk of some cancers,
but a new report from England suggests not all nuts are good for you.
Researchers at King's College Hospital in London say areca
nuts, sometimes called betel nuts, can increase the risk
for developing some oral cavity disorders.
According to the report, consumption of areca nuts has
been linked to oral submucous fibrosis, a potentially malignant disorder in the mouth, and to oral cancer.
Chewing areca nuts has been connected to heart
disease, diabetes and asthma, researchers report
in the May 7 issue of British Medical Journal.
How areca nuts might increase the risk for heart disease
is unclear, but researchers say areca consumption raised
homocysteine levels and reduced folate levels among 170
healthy people who ate the nuts regularly. A high
homocysteine level has been associated with an increased
risk for heart disease.
An enzyme found in copper called lysyl oxidase also has
been linked to the development of fat buildup in the
arteries, researchers say. Areca contains more copper
than most nut-based snacks.
Areca nuts come from trees grown primarily in Asia's
warmer climates and are popular among Asia's southern
countries, such as India and Bangladesh.
Researchers write: "Eating nuts may be a safe and
healthy
habit. However, recommendations encouraging frequent
consumption should specify safe nuts and consider
deleterious effects of some nuts such as areca."
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