For most people, liquorice found in foods is safe to eat and safe when consumed in large amounts in medicines for short periods of time. No matter how old you are, you should avoid eating large amounts of black liquorice over a short space of time. If you have been eating a lot of black liquorice and have heart palpitations, muscle weakness or other health-related problems, stop eating it immediately and seek medical advice.
Get advice from a GP or pharmacist if you have questions about possible interactions with a medication or supplement you're taking. A review published in Phytotherapy Research in October explained that licorice does have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidative, antidiabetic, antiasthma and anticancer properties.
However, it's unclear if these effects are present when licorice extract is used in candy. Black licorice contains the compound glycyrrhizin, which gives the root its sweet taste. A paper published in Natural Product Communications in March that glycyrrhizic acid can offer benefits when consumed in low, appropriate doses. But according to a publication by the U. Food and Drug Administration in October , too much licorice root and licorice candy can be detrimental to your health.
The glycyrrhizin can cause a drop in your body's potassium level. The U. National Library of Medicine explains that potassium helps with nerve function, muscles to contraction, your heartbeat regularity and the movement of nutrients and waste into, and out of, cells. When potassium levels fall dramatically, people may experience abnormal heart rhythms, high blood pressure, swelling, lethargy and congestive heart failure, explains the FDA.
The organization says that people who are 40 or older who eat 2 ounces 56 grams or more of black licorice per day for at least two weeks could end up in the hospital with these complications.
These warnings are based on research published in Therapeutic Advances in Endocrinology and Metabolism in August The scientists found that glycyrrhetic acid, or glycyrrhizin, inhibits specific enzymes in the body and leads to reactions that elevate sodium levels and reduce potassium levels.
They recommend that the FDA regulate licorice by placing a warning about upper limits of intake for safety. The scientists go on to note that although licorice root may have some minor health benefits, daily use is not recommended.
Licorice candy derives its distinct flavor from the licorice root , which can have beneficial effects when consumed in its natural form. The onset of menopause can come with several unpleasant side effects, like hot flashes, bone loss, and declines in cardiovascular health.
To reduce these symptoms, some women take hormone replacement therapy HRT. As a natural alternative with less potential negative side effects, dietary supplements containing licorice root are often used. In one study, four components in licorice root were shown to impact estrogen activity. The activity may not relieve hot flashes but may promote a healthier cardiovascular and metabolic system.
Although more human studies are needed, preliminary studies on mice have attributed protective effects of glycyrrhizin a component of licorice root against certain viruses, including variants of influenza. When exposed to a lethal dose of the flu virus, mice treated with glycyrrhizin showed significant antiviral effects. Glycyrrhizin may have antiviral properties that needs to be further investigated in humans. This antiviral activity is believed to warrant further investigation of glycyrrhizin for potential pharmaceutical therapies.
In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving 50 patients, researchers found an extract of glycyrrhiza glabra, the plant containing licorice root, actually relieves symptoms of stomach pain at both day 15 and day 30 when tested. In a study published in the Journal of Research in Medical Sciences, researchers found licorice offered a healing effect against the bacteria Helicobacter pylori , a bug that causes stomach issues.
The active components of licorice root show anti-inflammatory effects that may be an additive benefit to current practices of treating people with rheumatoid arthritis.
As a result, researchers theorize that licorice root may serve as an effective supplemental treatment for the management of the disease. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis NASH is a fatty liver disease that's not caused by excessive alcohol intake. Liver damage from NASH can lead to serious complications, like liver cancer and cirrhosis. While limited treatment options exist, glycyrrhizin from licorice root has demonstrated positive effects on this condition when studied in mice.
Licorice root is not considered a major allergen, however, allergies to any food are possible. If you suspect an allergy to licorice which might show up as hives, sore throat, wheezing, trouble swallowing, or dizziness , have an allergist evaluate your symptoms.
Regardless of your health status, it's always a good idea to watch your sugar intake and consume candy in moderation, but especially with black licorice. In , the Food and Drug Administration FDA found that for those 40 years and older, eating 2 ounces of black licorice a day for at least 2 weeks can potentially throw off heart rhythms. The FDA also states that a person of any age should not eat large quantities of black licorice at any time, as the compound glycyrrhizin can cause potassium levels in the body to fall.
Pregnant women should also avoid herbal medications that contain licorice root as heavy licorice use has been associated with preterm birth. You should consult a doctor before starting any herbal supplements. Get nutrition tips and advice to make healthy eating easier. FoodData Central. Department of Agriculture. Published April 1, Glycemic Index of Foods. Updated November 26,
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