Amitabh Bachchan developed a sore throat after eating paan, recalled Neena Gupta: ‘Kyunki yeh…’

But why did that happen?

Many people love to chew paan after a meal owing to its digestive properties and refreshing taste. So, taking a (paan) leaf (pun intended) out of the incident, let’s find out what happens to the body if you eat a paan (filled with ingredients like areca nut and slaked lime)

Does paan affect your throat? (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

Dr Srinivasa Chary A, consultant general medicine, Gleneagles Aware Hospital, LB Nagar, Hyderabad, agreed that consuming paan can irritate the throat and potentially lead to a sore throat.

“This is primarily due to the combination of ingredients such as areca nut, slaked lime, and sometimes tobacco, which have astringent and irritant properties,” said Dr Chary A.

Even the sweet ingredients like gulkand, cardamom, kesar chutney, katha, fennel seeds, clove, and dried and grated coconut can affect the throat causing pain and irritation, said Jinal Patel, dietitian, Zynova Shalby Hospital Mumbai. “If someone is already susceptible to allergies or has underlying respiratory issues, eating a paan could exacerbate these conditions, leading to inflammation and soreness. It is better to avoid eating paan as there can be throat pain,” said Patel.

However, Dr Chary noted that consuming betel leaf alone is not harmful and can offer some health benefits, such as aiding digestion and acting as a mild antimicrobial.

But when paired with other ingredients typically found in paan, it may lead to some throat concerns irrespective of the time between consumption, Dr Chary A explained.

 

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For better well-being, it’s advisable to opt for plain betel leaves and avoid the addition of areca nut, lime, or tobacco. Continuously monitor any symptoms and seek medical advice if irritation persists, said Dr Chary A.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.