Betel is chewed by about one tenth of the world's population and the implements and ingredients vary from culture to culture. In East New Guinea only the seed of the areca palm, the leaf of the betel plant and mineral lime, which is burnt coral are chewed. Betel is a mild stimulant which reduces hunger pangs, produces feelings of well-being, and increases energy for work. It also improves the odor of the breath and colors the teeth red. It isn't clear which combination of ingredients causes the euphoria brought about by betel-chewing. However, it appears that the alkaloids in the areca seed are released by the lime. The function of the lime spatula in this ritual of betel chewing is to dip the lime from its container and then to carry the lime to the mouth where it releases the nicotine-like properties of the areca seed and betel leaf.