For many these will seem a strange statement however current medical research actually supports the view that nicotine could actually have some serious health benefits.

The problem for many people is that Nicotine is responsible for the addiction of cigarette smoking, so must be bad for you.

They cannot accept that Nicotine could possibly be good for you and simply make it guilty by association.

Let's check out the facts.

Nicotine is NOT responsible for smoking deaths by cancer

Nicotine is actually one of around 4,000 chemicals that are consumed during cigarette smoking.

In addition to tar, there is also carbon monoxide, ammonia and arsenic. In fact, at least 43 of the chemicals in tobacco smoke are known to cause cancers of the lung, throat, mouth, bladder and kidneys.

Nicotine is ONLY the ingredient responsible for the addiction; it is some of the other compounds that are primarily responsible for the harmful health effects of smoking cigarettes.

There is no evidence to date that indicates that nicotine itself can cause cancer.

Nicotine in its natural state is safe and non toxic

Nicotine is a naturally occurring compound.

Trace elements can be found in common foods and vegetables such as potatoes, tomatoes, cauliflower and is also found in some teas.

In its natural state, and when ingested through the digestive system, nicotine is safe and non-toxic.

It does not present the health hazards associated with smoking cigarettes.

Medical research

Many studies including some sponsored by the federal government, have shown that nicotine may in fact delay the onset and effects of both Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases.

Furthermore, it may also improve symptoms of attention deficit disorder and also Tourettes syndrome.

Nicotine has also been found to influence mood, mental alertness, and addiction.

Scientists have discovered that nicotine acts on nerve cells to enhance the release of neurotransmitters, chemicals that relay messages within the brain and nicotine increases a person's ability to focus and pay attention.

Nicotine is also known to switch on receptors on the surface of cells in certain parts of the brain, causing these neurons to release the Neuro-transmitter dopamine, a chemical that is responsible for feelings of pleasure.

Why don't we take the potential benefits of Nicotine seriously?

Efforts by the anti smoking lobby to stop smoking, have seen nicotine's potential benefits not get the recognition they deserve. Nicotine is simply seen as being bad due to its association with smoking, even though it is just one of numerous chemcials contained in a cigarette.

This is really like saying wheat is bad for you as some beers use wheat in the brewing process and people die of alcohol abuse. Of course, wheat in it's natural state is not the cause of death and we all know that, however we are less open minded on our view of nicotine.

Decide for yourself

Medical research into Nicotine shows by itself, in its natural state, it is safe and non toxic and medical evidence at present suggests that Nicotine could actually have serious health benefits.