Betel nuts contain a mild stimulant, similar to drinking a cup of coffee or smoking a cigarette. Almost everyone we saw in BilBil (of all ages) seemed to be chewing on these nuts.
Young Girl of the BilBil Village with Betel Nut Stained Teeth near Madang
A Day Ashore in Madang from the Regent Seven Seas Voyager
Many citizens of Papua New Guinea chew the betel nut, which stains their mouth, tongue, and teeth a brilliant red. It is actually a seed of the betel palm.
Young girl of the BilBil village with Betel nut stained teeth near Madang, Papua New Guinea
Madang Papua New Guinea Photo (c) Linda GarrisonMore on Papua New Guinea and Northern Australia
Geography of Papua New GuineaCairns, Australia - Things to Do and See in CairnsRainforestation Nature Park at Kuranda near Cairns, Australia
Photo Galleries of Nearby Australia
Things to Do and See in Sydney, AustraliaKoala Park near Sydney, AustraliaHamilton Island in the Whitsundays - Great Barrier Reef Australia
Related Articles
©2012 About.com. All rights reserved.
A part of The New York Times Company.