There are three very important misconceptions about smoking. The benefits are very real. However, the method of delivery is very, very hazardous.

It may sound odd, or rather unlikely, but there are actually some benefits to smoking. This is in absolutely no way endorsing smoking cigarettes. You shouldn’t. Nobody should. Ever. In fact, the benefits are very few, and are far outweighed by the dangers of smoking and the deadly properties of cigarettes. However, for the sake of knowledge and truth, people should be made aware of all pertinent information when it comes to areas in which an informed decision must be rendered. Again, this is not an endorsement for cigarettes, this is simply to gain insight into the exact nature of the properties of smoking.

The Benefits of Smoking

There are several documented benefits to smoking cigarettes. One of which, is that smokers tend to fare better than their non-smoking counterparts after suffering from a heart attack. In fact, according to Live Science, smokers have a lower mortality rate and respond better to two forms of treatment after a heart attack: fibrinolytic therapy and angioplasty.

Smoking cigarettes may actually decrease your chances of becoming obese. Although it is not uncommon that someone may be overweight while smoking, statistically, smoking does decrease the likelihood of becoming obese. In fact, in the 1920s, tobacco companies targeted women by offering “a great way to lose weight”.

According to the American Journal of Epidemiology, smoking may help to lessen the risk of Parkinson’s disease. It is noted that this occurrence has been observed over the last 30 years. It was noted in the early 2000s that caffeine may also hold the same protective properties.

The Theory Behind These Benefits

When it comes to smokers faring better than non-smokers after suffering a heart attack, it is believed that age plays a factor. Since smoking leads to heart attack, and at a far younger age than commonly found in non-smokers, it is believed that the more youthful heart attack sufferer can rebound better, thus, lowering the mortality rate statistically.

The theory behind smoking and the decreased chance of obesity is that nicotine is a stimulant, which acts as an appetite suppressant.

The theory supporting smoking and Parkinson’s prevention is complex. There have been numerous studies to determine the exact nature of cigarette’s protective capabilities when it comes to Parkinson’s. However, it is believed that nicotine is the source of the protection.

The Truth Behind These Benefits

When it comes to the heart attack sufferer, it is truly a paradox as to why smokers fare better after a heart attack. Age may or may not play a factor, however, due to the varying ages of smokers who suffer a heart attack, it is not proven that age is the only factor.

The truth behind the decreased chance of obesity in smokers, is because of several reasons. One, is that nicotine is, in fact, a stimulant, thus, suppressing the appetite. Another reason is that prolonged smoking deadens the taste buds, which results in less joy while eating. Another reason is the behavior modification properties of smoking, further resulting in less urges to snack.

The truth supporting smoking and the statistically lessened risk of Parkinson’s disease is due to the nicotine found in cigarettes. According to the Annals of Neurology, “…as consumption of edible Solanaceae increased, Parkinson’s disease risk decreased, with peppers displaying the strongest association.”