Taiwan tries to curb deadly addiction to betel nut
Taiwan tries to curb deadly addiction to betel nut
It’s known as “Taiwan's chewing gum”. Betel, a nut as hated as it is loved, occupies a special place in the island's culture. This stimulant is consumed by hundreds of thousands of people, mainly from working-class backgrounds, and supports just as many others. But few people know that this nut is carcinogenic and kills thousands of people every year. FRANCE 24’s Lucie Barbazanges reports.
It’s known as “Taiwan's chewing gum”. Betel, a nut as hated as it is loved, occupies a special place in the island's culture. This stimulant is consumed by hundreds of thousands of people, mainly from working-class backgrounds, and supports just as many others. But few people know that this nut is carcinogenic and kills thousands of people every year. FRANCE 24’s Lucie Barbazanges reports.