Is It Safe To Eat Betel Leaves During Pregnancy?

Experts' opinions and recommendations on the consumption of betel leaves during pregnancy.

Reviewed by Jenny Champion, MS, RD, CPT Jenny Champion Jenny ChampionMS, RD, CPT Follow MomJunction on LinkedinFollow MomJunction on YouTubeFollow MomJunction on Instagram Specialty: Weight loss and DieteticsExperience: 11 years
Written by , B.Tech Ria Saha B.Tech Follow MomJunction on LinkedinMomJunction on FacebookFollow MomJunction on Instagram Specialty: Pregnancy and Baby FoodExperience: 9 years
Edited by , M.Sc. (Food & Nutrition), MBA Swati Patwal M.Sc. (Food & Nutrition), MBA Follow MomJunction on Linkedin Specialty: Food, Nutrition and HealthExperience: 10 years
Fact-checked by , M.Pharm, PhD Dr. Joyani Das M.Pharm, PhD Follow MomJunction on Linkedin Specialty: Pharma, Health and WellnessExperience: 3.5 years
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Having Betel Leaves During Pregnancy

Many women may experience a sudden loss of appetite or digestive pain during pregnancy, contributing to the pregnancy blues. In such cases, the woman may consider chewing betel leaves during pregnancy to improve digestion and help with other related problems.

The betel leaf has been a part of Indian culinary and diet for centuries. It was a usual habit among kings and nobility to consume betel leaves after a meal. Eating betel leaves may provide many health advantages. However, it’s important for expectant mothers to understand both the possible benefits and risks. Continue reading this post to clear your doubts.

In This Article

The Benefits Of Betel Leaf

Betel leaf is an effective mouth freshener.

Image: Shutterstock

According to a research study and Ayurveda, Betel nut and Betel leaf could have many valuable health benefits because of its anti-infective, immunomodulatoryiA substance with an ability to either stimulate or suppress the immune system to help the body fight certain diseases. , hepato-protectiveiAn ability to protect the liver from any damage. , anti-ulcer, anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular, anti-diabetic and many other valuable properties (1). Betel leaf is also an effective mouth freshener. Consumption of Betel leaves also boosts oral health. The dried powder of these leaves is rich in vitamins, calcium, and iron (7). It may aid in the treatment of diabetes by ensuring blood sugar control (8).

Studies suggest that Betel leaf extracts have a chemopreventiveiA chemical treatment that may help delay, prevent or supress cancer. effect, and reduced benign tumor growth in mice (2). Betel leaves also have many antiseptic and stimulating benefits as a herbal remedy.

protip_icon Did you know?
There are over 90 varieties of betel leaf worldwide, with about 45 varieties found in India alone. They are affordable and available year-round, making them accessible for various uses (8).

Why Is Betel Leaf Consumption Common During Pregnancy?

It is a natural and effective cure for cough.

Image: Shutterstock

As per traditional belief, eating this nutrient-rich traditional medicine during pregnancy improves digestion and stimulates appetite. Some also believe that the application of Betel leaves during breastfeeding improves milk production in lactating mothers.

In addition, Betel leaf is also a rich source of antioxidantsiSubstances that may prevent or slow down some types of cell damage caused due to harmful molecules called free radicals. . It is also a natural and effective cure for cough, bleeding gums, dehydration, wounds, inflammation, constipation, diabetes, headache and lower back pain.

protip_icon Quick fact
Ayurveda recommends consuming betel leaf after meals because it aids digestion, helps cleanse the mouth, reduces excess phlegm, and supports healthy weight management (8).

Is It Safe to Consume Betel Leaves During Pregnancy?

Betel nuts with Betel leaves during pregnancy could increase the risk of cancer.

Image: Shutterstock

While Betel leaf has many health benefits associated with its consumption, it is best to say no to it during pregnancy.

  • Reports from the World Health Organization reveal that chewing Betel nuts with Betel leaves during pregnancy could increase the risk of cancer and adverse pregnancy outcomes significantly. Also, the prolonged consumption of betel nut may also cause cancer, particularly oral cancer (3).
  • According to the International Journal of Medicine and Public Health, the women in rural areas of Bangladesh regularly consume Betel nut and Betel leaf and therefore suffer from folateiNaturally occurring form of Vitamin B9, responsible for protein metabolism and the production of red blood cells. deficiency. Folic acid deficiency during pregnancy could lead to neural tube defectsiBirth defects of the brain, spine, or spinal cord that usually happens during the first month of pregnancy. , preterm birth, low birth weight, defects in the nervous system, and retarded growth. (4)

Pregnant women should carefully consider these factors and explore safer alternatives.

Staying Safe During Pregnancy

Consume smaller, more frequent meals.

Image: Shutterstock

Considering the contradictory opinions on the consumption of Betel leaf during pregnancy, it is best to avoid it. There are several other ways to stimulate the appetite and improve digestion during pregnancy.

  • Consume smaller, more frequent meals. Take a balanced diet. Avoid the intake of fatty foods that are too heavy and difficult to digest.
  • Drink plenty of fluids. Make sure you have eight glasses of water per day.
  • Consult your doctor and engage in some light physical activity or yoga to improve digestion and overall health during pregnancy.
  • Taking pregnancy-safe herbal teas and ingredients such as ginger and fennel may also help reduce digestive discomfort.
  • Seek your doctor’s advice if your tummy is still troubling you.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What happens if we eat betel leaf daily in pregnancy?

Eating betel leaf daily during pregnancy is not advisable as its regular consumption can cause folate deficiency and lead to pregnancy complications such as preterm labor, low birth weights, etc (4).

2. Is betel leaf heat or cold?

The betel leaf is known for its cooling properties. Its analgesic properties help relieve pain related to headaches (5).

3. Is betel leaf good for fertility?

According to research, extracts of betel leaf exhibit antifertility effects (6). Hence, you may not have it when planning for pregnancy or during pregnancy.

Betel leaves are popular ways to improve digestion and other problems. Women from certain cultures may have a habit of chewing on a betel leaf after their meals. Anecdotal evidence suggests several benefits of eating betel leaves, such as increasing appetite, improving digestion, and also helping in increasing milk production in lactating mothers. However, medical research suggests some risks associated with betel leaves consumption, such as folate deficiency and associated problems with the babies, such as premature birth, low birth weight, issues with the nervous system, and growth retardation. Therefore, it is best to consult your doctor before consuming betel leaves during pregnancy.

Infographic: Reasons And Side Effects Of Chewing Betel Nuts In Pregnancy

Betel nut is commonly consumed in parts of Asia. And it is typically chewed for its stimulating effects. However, betel nut consumption during pregnancy can also negatively impact pregnancy. Use this infographic to learn about the possible reasons for expectant mothers chewing betel nuts and their side effects.

chewing betel nut during pregnancy (infographic)

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Key Pointers

  • Betel leaf is a rich source of antioxidants.
  • It’s not recommended to consume betel leaf during pregnancy due to potential complications.
  • Frequent small meals and staying hydrated can help stimulate appetite during pregnancy.
  • If you have any questions or your stomach is still troubling you, consult with your doctor.

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.
  1. Rajendra Toprani and Daxesh Patel; (2013); Betel leaf: Revisiting the benefits of an ancient Indian herb.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3892533/
  2. S V Bhide et al., (1991); Chemopreventive efficacy of a betel leaf extract against benzo[a]pyrene-induced forestomach tumors in mice
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1795525/
  3. Review of areca (betel) nut and tobacco use in the Pacific: a technical report.
    https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/206910/9789290615699_eng.pdf?sequence=1
  4. Manzur Kader; (2013); Association between betel nut consumption and folate deficiency among pregnant women in rural Bangladesh.
    https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/8b57/599d261164c23da1e71d7e1fed86adc0b0e7.pdf
  5. Karandeep Kaur Rai, et al.; (2019); Review On Betel Leaf Used In Various Ailments.
    https://www.researchgate.net/publication/343749007_REVIEW_ON_BETEL_LEAF_USED_IN_VARIOUS_AILMENTS
  6. Sasmita Biswal; (2014); Phytochemical analysis and a study on the antiestrogenic antifertility effect of leaves of Piper betel in female albino rat.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4342644/
  7. S.S Vijayanchali; (2018); Nutrient Composition, Phytonutrient Constituents and Antioxidant Activity of the Dried Betel Leaves (Piper Betle).
    https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3345532#:~:text=Nutrient%20composition%20of%20dried%20Betel,and%209.8mg%20of%20Iron
  8. Avdhoot Pandit and Dr. Abhijit Joshi; (2022); A Short Overview on Significance of Betel Leaf (Piper Betle) And Its Applications
    https://www.ijhsr.org/IJHSR_Vol.12_Issue.11_Nov2022/IJHSR32.pdf
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Jenny Champion
Jenny ChampionMS, RD, CPT
Jenny is a registered dietitian, personal trainer and mother of three who is passionate about teaching women how to stop yoyo dieting, have healthy pregnancies and get back in shape after childbirth. After suffering from eating disorders and weight problems herself, she’s helped over 1,000 women change their lives by eating more of the right foods and less of the rest while enjoying their lives and having healthy relationships with food.

Read full bio of Jenny Champion
Ria Saha
Ria SahaB.Tech
Ria is a techie-turned-writer and writes articles on health, with special emphasis on nutrition. She did her B.Tech from West Bengal University of Technology and was previously associated with IBM as SAP ABAP technical consultant.

Read full bio of Ria Saha
Swati Patwal
Swati PatwalM.Sc. (Food & Nutrition), MBA
Swati Patwal is a clinical nutritionist, a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) and a toddler mom with more than a decade of experience in diverse fields of nutrition. She started her career as a CSR project coordinator for a healthy eating and active lifestyle project catering to school children.

Read full bio of Swati Patwal
Dr. Joyani Das
Dr. Joyani DasM.Pharm, PhD
Dr. Joyani Das did her post-graduation from Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra and PhD in Pharmacology. Previously, she worked as an associate professor, faculty of Pharmacology, for two years. With her research background in preclinical studies and a zeal for scientific writing, she joined MomJunction as a health writer.

Read full bio of Dr. Joyani Das
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