Nothing compares to lighting up a cigarette, feeling the nicotine rush through your veins, as you exhale a cloud of smoke.
Whether you feel overwhelmed by stress, enjoyed a big meal, having a drink or simply chatting with your friends, smoking feels great. But, despite the sense of euphoria it offers, one cannot ignore the negative implications it has on your health.
For some people, taking up an electronic cigarette is healthier. After all, how can an electronical machine be worse than a cigarette? But before deciding between your favourite packet of smokes and an e-cigarette, it is time to see which is better.
The pros of an e-cigarette:
- It has no smell or second-hand smoke
- It won’t stain your teeth
- After the initial purchase of the electronic cigarette, it works out cheaper.
The pros of a tobacco cigarette:
- As odd as this might sound, but a study conducted by the University of Adelaide in Australia claims that men who smoke are less likely to undergo total joint replacement surgery.
- Smoking lowers the risk of obesity, as it is an appetite suppressant.
- You get to enjoy the company of other smokers during working hours.
But who smokes to lower the chances of obesity or knee replacements? Smoking is a guilty pleasure which many people across the globe enjoy. So, when it comes to choosing, one needs to look at which is worse.
E-cigarettes are loaded with a vaporizable liquid, which is made up of a variety of chemicals. This includes propylene glycol, glycerol, nicotine and flavouring substances. As unappealing as this might sound, some still believe this is still a healthier alternative to tobacco cigarettes. But, these chemicals are not exactly safe when heated.
When the liquid breaks down, it apparently produces both formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing agents. This is rather serious consider that formaldehyde is a known poison. In fact, due to the formaldehyde, it is believed that the risk of cancer might be 15 times higher than regular cigarettes.
However, e-cigarettes provide a less dangerous nicotine source, without exposure to tar and most of the poisonous chemicals linked to cigarette smoke.
The chemicals, tar and nicotine from regular tobacco cigarettes contribute greatly to emphysema. Also, second-hand smoke from regular cigarettes can result in your children, spouse and other bystanders suffering from an array of illnesses including asthma and lung cancer.
With both linked to cancer and other diseases, it is often difficult to draw the line in which is better. However, when it comes to current legislation in regards to smoking, e-cigarettes do win hands down as they affect the smoker more than bystanders.
To quit smoking, speak to your GP and find out ways to minimise cravings and how to lead a healthier lifestyle.
Photo credit: Vaping 360
