Cigars

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 per week is unlikely to result in serious health consequences. Since the jury is still out on occasional cigar smoking, the final decision about how much to smoke, if at all, is your own.