Would you use smokeless tobacco instead of cigarettes if you decided to stop smoking? What are the health benefits of smokeless tobacco? Tobacco companies have been developing tobacco products that are less harmful than cigarettes in recent decades. Swedes commonly use smokeless snuff tobacco known as snus. Snus is a healthier alternative to cigarettes. This is because it is smokeless and reduces the risk of developing cancer and other tobacco-related illnesses.
Swedish snus consumption has increased, whereas cigarette consumption has decreased dramatically. Compared to other European countries, Sweden smokes the least as they prefer snus to cigarettes. They also claim that snus contributes to improving public health. Let’s take a look at all the advantages snus has over smoking.
Snus is becoming increasingly popular in Switzerland and other countries where it is legal to sell it.
What is Snus?
Snus is a form of moist, powdered, pasteurized tobacco, either loose or in sachets. The tobacco is taken between the lip and gum. Originating in Sweden in the early 18th century, it is a smokeless tobacco. It is said to have been used there as long ago as the 16th century. The first use of snus was to preserve tobacco and to lower the smoking rate. In addition, people in Sweden have significantly reduced their chances of contracting cancer. Further, the rate of lung and oral cancer among Swedish men is the lowest in Europe. Furthermore, Snus does not contain any of the harmful combustion products found in cigarettes. This allows smokers to quit smoking using Snus. This is why smokeless tobacco is a better option.
Is snus a safer and more effective alternative to smoking? The benefits of using snus against cigarettes and why you should choose snus if you want to quit smoking are listed here.
Cancer-reducing
Cigarette smoking causes oral cancer and lung cancer, and this is a well-known fact of life. It is a disease in which the cells of the body start dividing abnormally. The risk of cancer is reduced, however, with snus use. There is little to no risk associated with snus. Snus is mostly consumed by Swedish men, who have the lowest cancer rate in the European Union. There is a 90% reduction in the risk of lung and oral cancer among snus users. Therefore, smoking must be replaced with snus for smokers to significantly reduce cancer risk. Smokeless tobacco will not eliminate the risk of cancer, and there are still chances of developing oral and lung cancer, even with its use.
Cigarettes are Safer
While snus may contain addictive substances, they are less lethal than cigarettes because they do not burn. The pouches contain tobacco and are supposed to be kept between the lips and teeth. Smoke is not produced when they are used, which may contribute to improving public health. As per the European Smokeless Tobacco Council, a trade industry research organization, Swedish people consume the same amount of tobacco in the form of snus as the rest of Europe, but they smoke less and as a result, they suffer fewer tobacco- and smoking-related health issues and deaths.
Smoking Cessation can Help
Sweden and Norway have seen individuals shifting away from their cigarette smoking habits by using smokeless tobacco. Some have even stopped smoking altogether using smokeless tobacco. Because it is more successful than any other replacement product of pharmaceutical nicotine. Swedish smokers make up 11% of the population, which is among the lowest rates in Europe. This suggests that if you want to give up cigarettes, then you should probably opt for this less dangerous tobacco product. Nevertheless, since snus contains nicotine, it is addictive, therefore, it must be taken according to the proper dosage.