The harmful effects of smoking are no secret. Cigarettes contain over 7,000 chemicals, 70 of which are known to cause cancer. Despite this, in 2020, an estimated 14% of adults in the United States smoked cigarettes. This leads us to an intriguing question: Can there be any possible health benefits to smoking cigarettes?

The Stress Relief Conundrum

Among the many arguments made for the supposed benefits of cigarettes is that they provide stress relief. When a person smokes, nicotine is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream and starts affecting the brain within 10 seconds. Nicotine stimulates the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that plays a vital role in mood and pleasure. This could provide a temporary relief from stress and anxiety, thus leading to the theory that smoking has psychological benefits.

A Possible Shield Against Parkinson’s Disease?

Several observational studies suggest an inverse association between smoking and Parkinson’s disease. Although the exact mechanisms are unknown, the neuroprotective effects of nicotine could be responsible. Nicotine stimulates the release of dopamine, which is typically lower in individuals with Parkinson’s disease. While the theory is intriguing, it’s crucial to note that the evidence isn’t sufficient to support smoking as a preventative measure against Parkinson’s disease, and the harmful effects far outweigh any potential benefits.

The Obesity Paradox

It’s well known that nicotine can suppress appetite and increase metabolic rate, leading to lower body weight among smokers. However, the weight loss associated with smoking often occurs in an unhealthy manner, leading to muscle loss instead of fat loss. Furthermore, this weight regulation benefit cannot outweigh the severe risks that smoking poses to health.

Are There Heart Benefits?

Smoking has been associated with a lower risk of developing knee osteoarthritis and undergoing total joint replacement surgery, especially among men. Although the mechanisms are unclear, it’s hypothesized that nicotine-induced analgesia might play a role. But again, the harmful effects of smoking on overall health make this an unwise choice for managing joint health.

Conclusion

The perceived benefits of smoking are either based on short-term effects or still not entirely understood. Even though we have discussed potential benefits here, it’s essential to note that these potential benefits are few and based on limited and often contradictory evidence. In contrast, the harms of smoking are well-documented, significant, and far-reaching, affecting nearly every organ in the body. Therefore, the best course of action remains to not smoke or to quit if you currently smoke.