Betel << BEE tuhl >> is a preparation made from a palm tree and a vine plant grown in Asia. People in southern Asia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and eastern Africa chew the betel nut (seed of the palm tree) with the leaf of the vine plant. This mixture acts as a stimulant—that is, it increases the activity of the nervous system. The nut is prepared for chewing by boiling and drying. It is sometimes prepared raw by drying, smoking, or salting. The pieces are rolled in a leaf of betel vine smeared with quicklime. Betel colors saliva red and blackens teeth that are neglected. Chewing betel also may increase the risk of getting cancer of the mouth and other diseases.
