What Are the Health Benefits of Snus?

Heysnus is a smokeless tobacco product that can be placed between the upper lip and gum, for extended periods of time. It is a variant of dry snuff and is often used as part of a smoking cessation strategy. In Sweden, snus is regulated as a food product and its ingredients are clearly marked on the label. Snus is typically prepared by grinding the tobacco and mixing it with water, salt and an alkalizing agent (usually E500) before heating. Food grade aromas are also frequently added.

Snus has been shown to have some positive health effects. It is a less carcinogenic alternative to cigarette smoking, and it may decrease the risk of nicotine dependence. It can also help to prevent oral cancer and increase oral hygiene, thereby decreasing the risk of oral mucosal lesions.

The Science Behind Snus: Understanding Its Composition and Effects

However, snus use can be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (asthma, high blood pressure, heart attack and stroke) as well as a reduced ability to exercise. The increased cardiovascular risk is mainly due to the presence of nicotine, a stimulant, in snus.

The risk of snus-related oral cancer is unclear. An observational study found that snus users had more oral mucosal lesions compared to non-snus users, but this was adjusted for factors such as age, cigarette smoking, and alcohol consumption.

Gateway effects are a concern, but the evidence so far suggests that snus use can lead smokers away from cigarettes, rather than towards them. This is why snus is so widely used in Sweden, which has the lowest rates of tobacco-related mortality in Europe.