Bronze Age teeth reveal betel nut use
Ancient teeth show betel nuts used as stimulants 4,000 years ago.
Why it matters
- First direct evidence of betel nut use in Bronze Age Thailand.
- Shows how biomolecular analysis can uncover hidden ancient practices.
By the numbers
- 4,000-year-old skeletons studied.
- 1 of 6 sampled individuals showed betel nut use.
- Betel nut chewing dates back 9,000 years in Thailand.
The big picture
- Betel nut use has deep cultural roots in Southeast Asia.
- Study highlights power of dental calculus analysis for archaeology.
What they're saying
- Commenters note health risks like cancer and addiction.
- Some share personal stories of betel nut use in families.
Caveats
- Evidence based on one individual; limited sample size.
- Unclear why only one individual showed betel nut use.
- Relationship between artifacts and social status is uncertain.
What’s next
- More analysis of dental calculus from other individuals.
- Further research on cultural roles of psychoactive plants.