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Smoking a cigar is automatically perceived as a luxurious and classy activity, but behind all the flamboyance – a question lurks: are cigars bad for you?
It’s true that cigar smoking provides relaxation, or some might do it as a way to celebrate. But the truth is evident – smoking a cigar does have its fair share of health implications.
When compared to cigarette smoking, yes – cigar smoking is less frequent. However, it’s not a risk-free activity. If we look at the statistics, they sure are alarming. For instance, statistics say that 40% of cigar smokers are vulnerable to oral cancers.
Interested enough to know more and learn about the perks and pitfalls of cigar smoking? Keep reading.
Are Cigars Harmful to Your Health?
Now, realistically speaking, cigars can indeed be dangerous to your health. Yet, the level of damage varies with factors such as the level of usage frequency, breath frequency, and secondhand exposure to cigarette smoke.
Unlike cigarettes they consist of a single kind of tobacco which is fermented and undergoes a fermentation process. But this gives them their rich taste and bouquet, at the same time, giving rise to what is technically referred to as ‘reactive agents.’
Here are some facts to consider:
- Higher Levels of Toxins in Cigar Smoke: Cigar tobacco contains higher levels of carcinogens than cigarette smoke does in terms of the quantities per volume. This includes nitrosamines and carbon monoxide as well.
- Non-Inhalation Risks with Cigar Use: If one carefully notes closely, cigar smoking does not involve deep inhalation which in some way, creates an impression that it does not cause harm. But that is definitely not the case. The smoke produced from cigars poses the tendency of acting on the mouth and the throat as well as the esophagus due to the contained toxic substances.
- Occasional Smoking Patterns: About 75% of cigar smokers consume a cigar occasionally rather than daily. Still, this doesn’t turn down the fact that occasional smokers are at no risk.
- Secondhand Smoke Dangers: Cigar smoke is especially thick and toxic – thus, it can drastically affect non-smokers too who are in the vicinity. Statistics indicate that secondhand smoke from cigars causes heart diseases and cite one-third of deaths related to smoking or secondhand smoke exposure.
So, are cigars bad for you? The science, of course, says that they are. But their level of harm depends on how they are consumed.
The Perceived Benefits of Cigar Smoking
At first glance, the term “benefits of cigar smoking” might sound contradictory. However, let’s address the perceived advantages that enthusiasts often cite:
- Relaxation Through Ritual: Most cigar smokers testified that the whole smoking process gave them a feeling of calmness as a result of the process of lighting a cigar as well as its consumption.
- Social Bonding Opportunities: Cigars often bring people together. The occasion can be a business meeting, a party, or a get-together.
- Savoring Flavor and Craftsmanship: The craftsmanship behind hand-rolled cigars and the variety of flavors offer a sensory experience that aficionados deeply appreciate.
- A Status Symbol in Social Settings: For some, cigars signify class and sophistication, often becoming a symbol of success.
While these “benefits” are largely psychological or social, they should not overshadow the significant health risks associated with smoking cigars.
Are There Any Health Risks Associated With Cigar Smoking?
When weighing the risks, the dangers of cigar smoking become hard to ignore. Here’s a detailed look at the health risks:
- Cigar Smoke can cause various cancers:
- Mouth and throat cancer: 27 times more likely.
- Esophageal cancer: 15 times more likely.
- Laryngeal cancer: 53 times more likely.
- The carbon monoxide and nicotine in the smoke can lead to heart diseases.
- A Cigar smoker can suffer from chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
- Chances of getting a gum disease, tooth loss, and teeth yellowing.
- Exposes non-smokers to lung cancer and cardiovascular illnesses.
The numbers don’t lie. Regardless of how often you indulge in smoking, the risks are pretty threatening to cause one to quit.
Do Cigars Have Nicotine?
Of course, cigars contain a lot of nicotine. Here’s what you need to know:
- High Nicotine Content in Cigars: A single large cigar contains as much nicotine as there is in a packet of ordinary cigarettes.
- Absorption Through the Mouth: The substance that gives the feeling of pleasure in smoking is activated by nicotine in the brain. It reaches the bloodstream even if one does not put the cigarette in the mouth but in the lips.
- Potential for Nicotine Addiction: In essence, nicotine in cigarettes provokes dependence even with those who do not smoke daily.
Nicotine is not only one of the most addictive substances in tobacco but is also a direct agent of harm. Thus, it might appear that cigars are not nearly as dangerous as cigarettes because they are smoked less often, which, however, is not true.
Are All Cigars Equally Dangerous, or Are Some Safer?
Not all cigars are created equal, but none are truly safe. Here’s a breakdown:
- Differences Between Small and Large Cigars:
- Full-flavored cigars contain larger amounts of tobacco, which causes a propensity toward nicotine and toxins concentrations.
- Small cigars, otherwise known as cigarillos, may appear less harmful, but they can be inhaled and thus pose risks.
- Flavored Cigars and Their Risks: Often marketed to younger audiences, flavored cigars mask the harshness of tobacco but still carry the same health risks.
- Filtered Cigars and False Safety Perceptions: Filters help to decrease some chemicals but do not minimize the dangers of smoking.
To sum up, the health risks are still dangerous, be it when you use a high quality, hand-made cigar, or a low quality one.
Practical Tips on How to Quit Smoking Cigars Successfully
One may find it quite difficult to quit cigars, but it is not an impossible task if done under the correct strategies. Here are some strategies:
- Set a particular day to stop and should strictly follow it.
- Get involved in a support group or ask friends or relatives for support.
- Try replacing the habit of smoking with some healthier alternatives – such as chewing gum.
- It is recommended to use patches, gum or lozenges to control the withdrawal symptoms.
- Ask your healthcare provider for advice and administer medications if necessary.
- Track your progress, make it fun, and remember why you want to stop the habit.
It may not be easy to outgrow the habit, but it sure gives a sense of relief to know that you will be leading a healthier life, being more energetic, and living longer.
Final Thoughts
Are cigars bad for you? Absolutely. Even as entertainment and sources of interaction with others, they are highly detrimental to your well being and overall fitness. Cancer, heart disease, and nicotine dependence are some of the disadvantages that far outweigh any possible benefits.
Doesn’t matter if you’re an occasional cigar smoker or a frequent one; now is the time you should start working towards changing this habit. But if you find it difficult to quit, know that there is support available in the form of groups and consultants.
FAQs About the Impact of Smoking Cigars
Is it bad to smoke a cigar occasionally?
It’s obvious that smokers who smoke cigars rarely are at a lower risk compared to smokers who smoke on a daily basis.
Are cigars worse than cigarettes?
Somewhat yes. A single cigar is loaded with as many toxins as there are combined toxins in a pack of cigarettes.
How harmful is a cigar?
Just like cigarettes, they are linked to cancer causers. In fact, non-smokers are also at the mercy of cigar smoke.
How to tell if a cigar is bad?
A stale or dry cigar will have a brittle texture and lose its aroma. Proper storage in a humidor can prevent this.
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