Betel leaf and Areca nut Paan wrap being prepared, in Mumbai. India.
Paan, from the word pan in Urdu, is a South and South East Asian tradition which consists of chewing Betel leaf (Piper betle) combined with the areca nut. There are many regional variations. In India the leaves are chewed together in a wrapped package along with the areca nut (which, by association, is often inaccurately called the "betel nut") The areca nut contains the alkaloid arecoline, which promotes salivation (the saliva is stained red), and is itself a stimulant. This combination, known as a "betel quid", has been used for several thousand years. Tobacco is sometimes added. Betel leaves are chewed as a stimulant, an antiseptic and as a palate cleanser and a breath freshener Paan. (45)
Size: 3413px × 5120px
Location: Mumbai, India.
Photo credit: © _David Gee / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
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