The cooling flavor of menthol cigarettes might make them more addictive--and more dangerous, according to a new study. After the jump, find out why it might be harder to quit menthol cigarettes...
Researchers followed 1,700 people who were trying to quit smoking. One-third of white patients smoked menthol cigarettes, compared with two-thirds of Latino patients and 81 percent of African Americans. They found that blacks and Latinos who puffed on menthol cigarettes had a much harder time quitting than those who smoked regular cigarettes. (In some cases, their rate of success was slashed in half!) Researchers say the menthol flavor might cover up the harsh nicotine and toxins in cigarettes. "This study suggests that people who smoke mentholated cigarettes--particularly those with a low disposable income--may inhale more nicotine and toxins per cigarette," said lead researcher Kunal K. Gandhi. And that might lead to a stronger addiction.
I'm from health-conscious California, so I never took up smoking, even when I went away to a cig-happy college. The couple of times I did take a puff, I woke up the next day with a scratchy throat and a headache.
Be honest: How many of you are ex-smokers? Did you smoke menthol cigarettes? (Don't worry, no one's judging.) How hard was it to quit? Anyone still smoke?
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