Menthol Cigarettes: The Hidden Truth

Studies show that people who smoke menthol cigarettes tend to inhale more deeply. This may be because of the minty taste and cooling effect from menthol. The menthol flavor also covers up the harsh taste of cigarettes smoke. People who smoke menthol cigarettes have a harder time quitting. Sadly, menthol cigarettes are also quite popular amongst teenage smokers. Over half of cigarette smokers between the ages of 12 and 17 years smoke menthol cigarettes.

If you smoke menthol cigarettes, you are likely to take in more of the nicotine, toxic chemicals and tar. These reasons also make it more likely for you to get addicted and also harder for you to quit cigarettes. It also means means you can have more negative effects from smoking and greater damage to your body.

Studies show that young people who start smoking menthol cigarettes are more likely to get addicted to cigarettes. Nicotine is the addictive drug in cigarettes and other tobacco products but menthol enhances the effects of nicotine on the brain and makes cigarettes more addictive.

People who smoke menthol cigarettes are less likely to successfully quit than people who smoke non-menthol cigarettes. Tobacco companies have relied on the soothing and cooling effects of menthol to make cigarettes more appealing. Flavors, including menthol, are one of the primary reasons kids start using tobacco products.

Despite some marketing messages claiming menthol cigarettes are smoother and safer, they offer no health benefits compared to non-menthol cigarettes. Rather, they have been found to increase both the likelihood of you becoming addicted and also the degree of addiction.

It is also important to always remember that there is no safe tobacco product. Whether you vape, smoke, or chew tobacco, the best way to protect your health is to quit.