Connoisseurs Do Not Inhale
We are all aware of the dangers of smoking. Inhaling the smoke from cigarettes (and even cigars) on a daily basis can cause several types of cancer. However, the health risks to the casual cigar smoker, who smokes less than a couple of cigars per week and does not inhale, are not nearly as significant.
Health Benefits to Smoking Cigars
Are there any health benefits to cigar smoking? Long before all the research proved that it was dangerous to smoke, tobacco was actually used for medicinal purposes. Although we now know that it will not cure cancer and other diseases, some cigar enthusiasts will argue that cigars can be smoked to relax, and therefore, lower the blood pressure. Besides, if smoking cigars brings relaxation or enjoyment, then it is providing a mental health benefit.
Tobacco is also believed to be an aid in controlling weight. Stretching a bit further, cigar smoke can repel flying insects, and therefore, lower the risk of contracting St. Louis encephalitis or the West Nile virus when enjoying the great outdoors.
It’s Your Call
Not to make light of the health consequences of cigar smoking, but the old rule about enjoying everything in moderation seems to apply. So, when it comes to smoking cigars, what is moderation? At least one doctor says that one cigar week is unlikely to result in serious health consequencs. (Read more) Since the jury is still out on occasional cigar smoking, the final decision about how much to smoke, if at all, is your own.
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May 16, 2007 at 7:56 pm
Hi there,
I was kind of inspired by this post, and went and wrote up a long-winded one of my own on the health risks of cigars (especially when compared with cigarettes).
Fascinating stuff to think about, but I really think the dangers to your health are more hype than reality.
May 16, 2007 at 7:56 pm
[...] University of Southern California: Cigar Smoking Remains Serious Health Risk (via CigarLife) [...]
August 4, 2007 at 10:34 am
Panic Away
This brought me back from the Brink!
August 6, 2007 at 12:11 pm
Panic Away Now
This helped me out of those DARK PLACES.
October 13, 2008 at 11:13 pm
wow, this is very inspireing… I cant wait till I’m 21 so I can start smoking cigars….