West Papua is very synonymous with the easternmost island of Indonesia. This island has a lot of natural resources and mineral wealth stored. The tribes and people of this island take the existing resources as a source of livelihood every day.
When talking about abundant natural resources, of course, the Papuan people are still very close and at one with nature. Not only that, the customs that have been passed down from generation to generation are still very thickly carried out by the people of this island.
Many tourists want to visit Papua island to enjoy the beauty of nature and the air is still beautiful, perfect for nature lovers, and relieve stress. Papua is indeed dubbed as a place that has lungs of air.
Besides being famous for its natural beauty and beautiful environment, West Papua is also known for the many tribes that exist and their customs are still thick. The local community still preserves the cultures passed down from their ancestors.
It’s no wonder that Papua has a lot of cultures because the tribes there are also quite a lot. But even so, the Papuan people still help each other and take care of each other so that the environment is not polluted.
People Like to Chew Pinang and it has Become a West Papua Tradition
We must fulfill four healthy five perfect foods every day. Even though the Papuan people are still far from modern global life, the food consumed by the people there has fulfilled balanced nutrition.
One of the customs and habits carried out by the Papuan people is eating areca nuts. This is common in the Papua region. This fruit can be found anywhere in all corners of Papua, both piled betel nuts and retail.
Areca nut is the cheapest fruit in the coastal area of West Papua. This is because areca nut trees can only grow in lowland areas. However, people who live in mountainous areas can still taste the fruit.
People living in the mountains began to eat betel nut when officials from the coast brought the fruit when they came home. In addition, the educated generation in the mountains who study in the city of Jayapura is getting used to the culture.
The Development of Betel Nut in Economic Commodities in Mountainous Areas
This culture of eating betel nut has begun to develop throughout West Papua and has an impact on new economic commodities in mountainous areas. There are two types of betel nut that are sent to mountainous areas, namely fruit and areca nut.
Papuan people usually chew areca nut with a complement of lime. This lime is usually obtained from burning seashells or it could be with lake snail shells. However, the lime color of the seashells is whiter than that of the grayish lake snail.
Areca nut is a basic need in Papua, capable of driving the economy of small communities. Related parties, especially the Papuan agriculture and plantation office, need to provide support to areca nut farmers in the form of training and capital.
This Papuan tradition has the function to strengthen teeth and gums. In addition to healthy bones and gums, this fruit also has its own sensation when chewing it. The combination of sweetness and acidity like the taste of toothpaste arises when we are chewing it.
The tradition of chewing betel nut is generally carried out by elderly women. However, in Papua, this tradition has been carried out since childhood and has been passed down from generation to generation. People over 80 years old in West Papua still have their teeth intact.
The Advantages of Areca Nut Which are Considered Healthy for Teeth
Many older people in Papua still have very healthy teeth and gums. This is none other than the habit of chewing betel which has been introduced from an early age and has been passed down from generation to generation. There are many advantages and functions of it.
• Enjoy your appetite
Areca nut is believed to increase appetite and overcome appetite disorders that cause nutritional and energy deficiencies. Areca nut can increase energy and stimulate a good appetite.
• Healthy uterus
Areca nut is believed to be very good consumed by women. West Papua people use young betel nut as medicine to shrink the uterus after giving birth. In addition, young betel nut is believed to prevent bleeding after childbirth.
• Prevent cavities
Areca nut is known to prevent cavities. The seeds and inner skin can also be used to strengthen the brittle teeth that are chewed with betel nut. Areca nut contains tannins which are efficacious to strengthen the gums and stop bleeding.
• Prevents dry mouth
People who chew betel nuts tend to produce large amounts of saliva. This effect can prevent dry mouth. Usually, dry mouth will be associated with bad breath problems and cavities.
In addition, the areca nut is believed to contain anti-bacterial properties that can get rid of harmful bacteria in the mouth. There are so many benefits provided by this betel nut, and this tradition has been carried out for a long time by the people of West Papua.
