The hidden menace

Today millions of people from areas including East Africa and Yemen are involved in a practice well known in the Arabian Peninsula, the practice of chewing khat leaves. People have been chewing the leaves which act as a powerful stimulant for centuries. According to two doctors at the Heart Hospital in London, Sagar Saha and Clare Dolley, long term chewing might lead to heart attack or even throat cancer. The practice is very common in Ethiopia, Somalia and among emigrant comunities established abroad. The shrub called Catha Edulis in latin is the plant from where the leaves are harvested. The use of khat leaves is a dangerous menace to health and an increased awareness of these problems would be a welcome addition to the public health message in areas that it is used.

Previous research undertaken in Yemen had identified a 39-fold-increase in the risk of heart attack within heavy Khat users. Khat use has also been linked to other serious health problems, including mental health disorders, insomnia, impotence, gastro-intestinal tract problems, inflammation of the mouth, oral cancer and multiple serious health-risks to an unborn child including low birth-weight.

More about the dangers of Khat use can be found here.

Related Discussions Girlfriend in the shower on hidden cam Girlfriend in the shower on hidden cam Hidden camera sex girlfriend

Related Articles Stroke – the Hidden Menace Passive smoking as a menace