Short answer
Undoubtedly - yes - tobacco is bad for you. Tobacco smoke contains harmful chemicals, some of which are cancerous, have the potential to harm your blood cells, and can disrupt the heart’s normal functioning.
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Tobacco smoke contains over 7000 chemicals. About 70 of them have the potential to cause cancer (carcinogenic). Some of the most deadly ones include cyanide, benzene, formaldehyde, methanol, acetylene, and ammonia. The smoke also contains tar and carbon monoxide / nitrogen oxide, two very poisonous gases. This simply means that every time you smoke tobacco, your body (immune system) puts up a fight against the chemicals' damaging effects. Sustained damage can cause disease over time. A report from the Surgeon General on the harmful effects of tobacco shows that the poisonous chemicals can access all body organs, including vital ones. Thus, tobacco also causes severe lung and heart diseases. Combined, all the chemicals can eventually cause death.
It’s worth noting that even tobacco leaves are equally harmful. They can contain radioactive materials depending on the type of soils and fertilizers used for production. Accumulated radiation in the lungs can rise to levels high enough to cause lung cancer. Chemicals from tobacco can scar your lungs. You risk developing pneumonia, asthma, tuberculosis, chronic bronchitis, emphysema (weakened air sacs), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. With regard to the heart, you’re at risk of developing arteriosclerosis, stroke, peripheral arterial disease (PAD), and cardiovascular disease, among others. Simply put, there is no safer way of using tobacco. Don't start smoking, if you haven't already. If you're a smoker, quitting is your safest bet.
Possible short-term side effects
- poor lung function
-
shortness of breath
-
coughing
-
decreased smell
-
decreased taste
-
bad breath
-
stained teeth
-
premature skin aging
Possible long-term side effects
- lung cancer
-
heart disease
-
bronchitis
-
aneurysms
-
stroke
-
pneumonia
-
asthma
Healthier alternatives
Please turn your Ad Blocker off to see this content. Thank you!
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Kathan Natrajan
Published on: 12-28-2015
Last updated: 12-10-2016
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Kathan Natrajan
Published on: 12-28-2015
Last updated: 12-10-2016
Approved by 
