ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Areca nut

Areca nut is something that people in some parts of the world like to chew on. It's from a special kind of plant called the areca palm.

When people want to chew on areca nut, they first take the nut out of the hard shell that protects it. Then, they mix it with some other things like spices and sometimes tobacco, which is called betel. This can sometimes make their mouths turn red.

When they're ready to chew, they put it in their mouth and start chewing. The juice that comes out is bitter, so they may need to spit it out. Some people like the way this makes them feel, but it's not very good for their health.

Some doctors say that chewing on areca nut can make people sick by causing problems with their mouths and stomachs, and it can even cause cancer. That's why it's a good idea to not chew on it too much, or not at all!