SRINAGAR: Stomach cancer cases are increasing in Kashmir, and doctors think that the local habit of consuming too much Noon Chai (salty pink tea) could be one reason. Ghulam Muhammad Bhat, 68, traveled 30 kilometers to SMHS Hospital when he was diagnosed with stage-1 stomach cancer a few months ago. He has enjoyed Noon Chai all his life. “But as I got older, stomach issues started to appear.”
Kashmiri women wearing pheran in Harudh (autumn season) drinking noon chai from Samovar (tea pot). Photo Credit: Twitter/Anissa Nabi
“The distinctive preparation technique, which involves over-brewing salt and sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) in black tea, creates an environment conducive to tumor growth,” explained Dr Sheikh Zahoor, Associate Director of Surgical Oncology at Paras Health in Srinagar.
Research conducted by Dr. Imtiyaz Wani, Dr. Fazl Q. Parray, and others supports the idea that dietary sodium chloride, found abundantly in Noon Chai, contributes to gastric cancer in Kashmir.
Gastric cancer rates in Kashmir surpass national averages in India. Data from the state’s health department reveals that stomach cancer is the most frequently reported cancer among males in Kashmir, comprising 25.2% of cases, followed by colorectal cancer (16.4%) and lung cancer (13.2%). Among females, colorectal cancer tops the list at 16.8%, followed by breast cancer (16.1%) and stomach cancer (10.4%). The notable increase in stomach cancer rates is particularly concerning given this context.
The difference in male and female occurrences of stomach cancer can be attributed to various factors. Several types of cancer, including stomach, liver, and colon cancer, are more prevalent in men than in women. Researchers at MIT have demonstrated how estrogen protects women against gastric inflammation, a precursor to cancer. Additionally, confounding factors such as smoking and poor diet contribute to making men more susceptible to certain types of cancer.
One reason for the overconsumption of Noon Chai stems from deeply rooted beliefs in Kashmiri folklore. According to tradition, Noon Chai is believed to be refreshing in the heat and warming during winter. Locals often tout its ability to prevent heartburn and bloating due to its cardamom and baking soda content. While traditional foods like Noon Chai may indeed possess unique medicinal properties, it’s crucial to acknowledge the data and numerous research papers that shed light on its potential health implications.
Moreover, this habit is so ingrained in the Kashmiri culture that altering it seems nearly impossible. Noon Chai is primarily consumed as the first beverage in the morning and during evening breaks by the people of the valley. Wajid Aslam Khan, a local fitness enthusiast dedicated to changing dietary and exercise habits, emphasizes the challenge of shifting away from Noon Chai. In his column, he writes that despite Noon Chai’s limited nutritional content, its influence on people’s habits is substantial. Trying to alter breakfast habits could pose challenges for individuals in embracing a balanced diet, as their bodies may not easily adapt, resulting in uneasiness and feeling of sickness.
Khan suggests that initially, Kashmiris should at least consider eliminating Noon Chai from their breakfast, as consuming it on an empty stomach has the most adverse effects.
