Nut Seed
dried brown arecanut.
VegetarianVeganGluten-freeDairy-freeNut-freePeanut-freeSoy-freeEgg-freeShellfish-freeHoney-freeAlcohol-free
SERVING
CALORIES
351
PROTEIN
5.8g
CARBS
70.4g
FAT
4.3g
FIBER
11.4g
NUTRITION PROFILE · per 100 g
Everything in this ingredient.
MACRONUTRIENTS
Calories351kcal—
Protein5.8g12%
Carbohydrates70.4g26%
Fiber11.4g41%
Sugar1.8g4%
Total fat4.3g6%
Saturated fat2.6g13%
Trans fat0g—
Cholesterol0mg0%
Water6.6g—
MINERALS
Sodium12.1mg1%
Potassium524mg11%
Calcium61mg5%
Iron2.7mg15%
Magnesium76.4mg18%
Phosphorus105mg8%
Zinc0.89mg8%
Copper1.3mg141%
Manganese2.1mg93%
Selenium15.2µg28%
VITAMINS
Vitamin A0µg0%
Vitamin C0mg0%
Vitamin D12.8µg64%
Vitamin E0.15mg1%
Vitamin K3.8µg3%
Thiamin (B1)0.04mg3%
Riboflavin (B2)0.03mg2%
Niacin (B3)0.71mg4%
Pantothenic acid (B5)0.12mg2%
Vitamin B60.32mg19%
Biotin (B7)1.7µg6%
Folate (B9)7.5µg2%
%DV based on a 2,000 cal diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central. A dash in the %DV column means there’s no established Daily Value for that nutrient.
MEASUREMENT CONVERSIONS
How much is what.
1 cup177.4g
1 tablespoon11.1g
1 teaspoon3.7g
1 oz28.4g
1 lb453.6g
1 ml0.8g
1 liter750g
1 piece3.5g
HEALTH BENEFITS
Why eat it.
- ✓Acts as a central nervous system stimulant due to its alkaloid content, which can increase alertness and stamina.
- ✓Traditionally used in some cultures as a digestive aid and to sweeten the breath, especially when chewed as part of a betel quid.
- ✓Induces a mild sense of euphoria and well-being, which is a primary reason for its use as a psychoactive substance.
- ✓Historically used in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine for its purported anthelmintic (parasite-expelling) properties.
COOKING TIPS
In the kitchen.
- 1WARNING: The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies arecanut as a Group 1 carcinogen, linked to cancers of the mouth and esophagus. Consumption is not recommended from a health perspective.
- 2Arecanut is not typically cooked but is prepared for chewing. It is usually sliced or ground into smaller pieces.
- 3A specialized cutter, known as a sarota, is often used to break the hard, dried nut into manageable pieces.
- 4For traditional use in a betel quid (paan), a small piece of the nut is wrapped in a betel leaf, often with slaked lime and other spices.
STORAGE
Keep it fresh.
- Store in a cool, dark, and dry place in an airtight container to prevent mold and preserve its chemical compounds.
- Avoid exposure to humidity, as moisture can degrade the quality and lead to spoilage.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions.
Is dried brown arecanut healthy?
While traditionally used for its stimulating effects and as a digestive aid in some cultures, dried brown arecanut is not generally considered healthy for regular consumption. It contains psychoactive alkaloids that can be addictive and is linked to significant health risks, including oral cancer, especially when chewed as part of a betel quid.
What are the nutritional values of dried brown arecanut?
Per 100g, dried brown arecanut contains approximately 350.62 calories, 5.78g of protein, 70.42g of carbohydrates, and 4.35g of fat. It is primarily a source of carbohydrates and calories, offering minimal protein and fat.
What are the traditional uses or effects of dried brown arecanut?
Traditionally, dried brown arecanut has been used in some cultures as a central nervous system stimulant to increase alertness and stamina. It's also been used as a digestive aid, a breath freshener when chewed in a betel quid, and in traditional medicine for its purported anthelmintic (parasite-expelling) properties.
Is dried brown arecanut vegan or vegetarian?
Yes, dried brown arecanut is derived from the fruit of the areca palm tree, making it a plant-based product suitable for both vegan and vegetarian diets.
Is dried brown arecanut gluten-free?
Yes, dried brown arecanut is naturally gluten-free. It does not contain wheat, barley, rye, or other gluten-containing grains.
How is dried brown arecanut typically consumed or used?
Dried brown arecanut is most commonly chewed, often as part of a betel quid (paan) with betel leaf, slaked lime, and sometimes tobacco or other spices. It is rarely used in conventional cooking due to its bitter taste and psychoactive effects.
What does dried brown arecanut taste like?
Dried brown arecanut has a somewhat bitter, astringent, and slightly peppery taste. When chewed, it can also impart a warming sensation and a mild stimulating effect.
How should dried brown arecanut be stored?
Dried brown arecanut should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry, and dark place to prevent moisture absorption and maintain its quality. Proper storage can help extend its shelf life.
How long does dried brown arecanut last?
When stored correctly in an airtight container, dried brown arecanut can last for several months to a year. Look for any signs of mold, discoloration, or a rancid smell, which indicate spoilage.
Are there any health risks associated with consuming dried brown arecanut?
Yes, regular consumption of dried brown arecanut, especially when chewed with betel leaf and other ingredients, is strongly linked to serious health risks. These include oral submucous fibrosis, oral cancer, esophageal cancer, and addiction, as it is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the WHO.
