Ancient Teeth Point to Long History of Betel Nut Use, New Research Suggests

New research examining ancient human remains has found evidence suggesting that people habitually used betel nuts long ago, according to a report by NPR News.

Betel nuts, the seed of the betel palm, are described in the report as one of the most widely used mind-affecting substances in the world today, particularly in parts of Asia, despite known health risks associated with their use.

The research points to markers found on ancient teeth as evidence that habitual betel nut consumption may have a deep history among human populations, according to the report.

NPR News did not specify in the excerpt the exact age or geographic origin of the remains studied, nor the specific methodology used to reach these conclusions.

Betel nuts remain popular in various Asian countries today, often chewed for their stimulant and mood-altering effects, even as health authorities have raised concerns about associated risks, including links to oral health problems and certain cancers, as noted in the report.

Further details of the study, including the identities of the researchers involved and the specific findings, were not fully outlined in the available excerpt.