Smoking meets the 21st century with the electric cigarette. It is a terrible habit, I know. Try and try to quit as many smokers do, nicotine seems to have the upper hand. But is it just about nicotine?

There is much more to the smoker than just nicotine. If it were that easy, wouldn't everyone just switch to the patch and call it a day?

A new device has come to light in the past year and it is an amazing creation for those determined to keep on smoking. It may also be a secret weapon for those even more determined to quit. It is too early in the game to know, but the benefits of this kind of smoking are worth serious attention.

Introducing the Electronic Cigarette.

The electric cigarette, also know as an electronic cigarette, e-cigarette, or e-cig is basically a device that mimics the actions of a real cigarette.

There are four main components:

1. an indicator light
2. a battery
3. an atomizer
4. a cartridge

    

The indicator light is found at the end of the battery. Made to resemble a flame, it glows as the consumer takes a puff, flashes when the smoker inhales too many times in a short period, and flashes to indicate when the battery is charging.

The battery itself powers the e-cigarette, looks or blends in as part of the smoking device, and is rechargeable.

An atomizer screws into the battery and is the "engine" behind the machine. The atomizer is responsible for creating a vapor that looks like smoke, and creates the delivery of sensations that smokers recieve from traditional cigarettes.

Finally, the cartridge. The cartridge is a simple mouthpiece which contains the elements which convince the smoker they are smoking. In reality, there is no smoke.

The cartridge contains either 3 or 4 elements.

1. water
2. flavor
3. propylene glycol
4. nicotine

I say either 3 or 4, because it is entirely possible to get an electronic cigarette without #4 - the nicotine. More on this idea later.

The flavor contained in the cartridge simulates that of tobacco, but there is no tobacco. With the growing popularity of the e-cigarette, more flavors are becoming available to satisfy consumer demand. Pipe and cigar smokers may soon find their favorite brand available as a smokeless sensation. Banana, apple, cherry, and strawberry are just to name a few.

I think water is easy to discern, but most people may not be familiar with propylene glycol. PG (propylene glycol) is the real magic ingredient in the mix. It is the element responsible for the smoke that appears. This smoke is actually just part of the vapor created with the water - and is the same smoke you see in smoke machines at your discotheque. It is not really smoke, as there is no fire.

Side note: New experiments are running with VG or vegetable glycerine in replace of the PG. Apparently this also creates a smoke like appearance, and can be found readily in health food stores.

Propylene glycol is a substance which is considered safe by the FDA. It is found in many personal body products such as shampoo, lotion, and even toothpaste. A small amount of the population will have an allergic reaction to PG - so it is advisable to consider any allergies you may have before trying the electronic cigarette.

Finally, nicotine is added. Not all cartridges are the same as nicotine is available in different strengths. Usually this is high, medium, low, or the option mentioned above of "no nicotine."

The electronic cigarette has it's origin in China dating back to 2003. China is known for consuming 1/3 of the worlds tobacco consumption. Although taxes are collected on tobacco products, these funds are no match for the higher cost of health care brought about by Chinese smokers. This is possibly the driving force that pushed China to this invention.

Runyan was the original company to take the electric cigarette and push it into availability for the public. Since that time many other manufacturers have popped up and competition for the best and most reliable device is on the rise.

The US is now another happy home to the e-cig. Just recently an American company Njoy has added a mini style which more closely resembles the size of a traditional cigarette. The Njoy Npro is the latest evolution.

Here is the really remarkable thing about the electronic cigarette. Because there is no actual tobacco, smoke, or fire, this in reality is not considered smoking. It is more along the lines of a nicotine replacement system which allows the smoker to mimic all the actions of smoking - except actually lighting up.

The smoke emitted is actually a vapor which immediately disappears. Because there is no smoke, there is no second hand smoke. This makes this unit safe around others to use.

The active ingredient nicotine believe it while addictive - has not been found by itself as a cancer causing agent.

Infact, nicotine is found naturally in many foods we eat. It is primarily found in the niteshade family of plants. When you eat eggplant, tomato, potato, and even califlower you are consuming nicotine.

Many studies are currently underway for nicotine and it's possible therepeutic uses. Alzheimer's, arthritis, and weightloss are just a few of the ailments this natural drug could aid in helping one day.

Traditional smokers leave behind a carbon footprint which is greatly reduced when switching to the electronic cigarette.

A rechargeable battery is used (hence electric) and a cartridge is the equivalent of 1-2 packs of cigarettes depending on the brand.

Refills are available online and can be purchased in bulk. The weight and size of the cartridges when compared to the weight and size of cartons of cigarettes being shipped to your local store is one factor. The fuel saved in the transport of these products could really add up.

While a pack of cigarettes leaves behind an ashtray full of butts, the electronic cigarette leaves behind just a small cartridge in comparison.These could be possibly recycled in the future.

The reusable electric cigarette travels light, and does not need a lighter to ignight. The savings of a smoker from buying lighters or lighter fluid alone will add up to hundreds of dollars.

No deadly smoke or pollutants are left behind by the e-cig. Clothes do not smell after use, and there is no ashtray clean up.

While the electric cigarette is not an official smoking cessation device, many people have successfully given up the traditional cigarette with suprising ease.

For those who are not ready to quit, this device is the healthy alternative.

For those who know a smoker this is something you should bring to their attention. It is used by many smokers as a way to smoke where you aren't normally allowed to without offending anyone. It presents nicotine replacement and the enjoyment of the flavor of tobacco in a way that smokers are familiar with.

You can try this device at no risk by visiting Njoy. Get additional savings with the code "20CIG" (no parenthesis, case sensitive.)