Is Licorice Bad For You?

If you’re curious about whether licorice is bad for you, read on to learn more about the sweet compound glycyrrhizin. This sweet compound is responsible for lowering potassium levels, which can result in irregular heartbeats, high blood pressure, lethargy, and swelling. However, the issue usually resolves itself once you stop eating black licorice. This study claims that the health benefits of licorice are relatively insignificant compared to the negative effects of regular consumption.

glycyrrhizin

If you love black licorice, then you may have wondered if glycyrrhizone in licorice is bad for you. This compound mimics aldosterone hormone, which is produced by the adrenal glands and is responsible for sodium and potassium balance. These two elements act as a cellular battery, controlling nerve communication and muscle contraction. However, excessive amounts of glycyrrhizin in licorice can raise blood pressure and cause headaches. Besides headaches, glycyrrhizin in licorice can also cause water retention and leg swelling.

There are some serious side effects associated with consuming licorice, but deglycyrrhizinated licorice is not associated with these same side effects. In fact, some research has shown that licorice can help treat various health conditions, such as peptic ulcers and canker sores. Licorice has long been used as an herbal remedy, but there is no solid evidence to prove its efficacy. It also contains the compound glycyrrhizin, which is known as glycyrrhizonic acid.

Licorice is used as a flavoring in food, but many of the “licorice flavor” products don’t actually contain licorice. Instead, they contain anise oil, which has a similar taste. Licorice dietary supplements are also available that contain deglycyrrhizinated licorice. But even with these dietary supplements, it’s still best to avoid large amounts of black licorice. If you do decide to eat licorice, consult your health care provider.

anethole

Anethole is best used for rum flavors. The level that’s right for rum is 40 ppm, but 20 ppm is enough for tomato and walnut flavors. It also enhances pear and apple flavors. At around 30 ppm, it blends well with eugenol and tyramine. While anethole can be toxic in high concentrations, it is perfectly safe to use in small quantities.

The flavor of licorice may be linked to an anethole gene. The compound is present in many foods including anise, fennel, and basil. Pastis also has a similar anise flavor. Many people have recently come to dislike black licorice, possibly due to their exposure to the chemical anethole in NyQuil cough syrup. Fortunately, there are a number of alternative sources of anethole.

Anethole, which is about 13 times sweeter than sugar, is present in licorice, tarragon, and tarragon-based foods. These foods contain an isomer of anethole called astragal. Both are suspected carcinogens. If you are concerned about anethole’s health benefits, you can avoid them by consuming herbs containing it.

glycyrrhizic acid

Glycyrrhizic acid is an alkaloid found in licorice, which is 50 times sweeter than sugar. Many health food and dietary supplements contain this compound, but it can have adverse effects. For example, it can interact with certain dietary supplements, such as hydrochlorothiazide. When taken together, glycyrrhizin can raise blood pressure and increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Studies have shown that excessive consumption of black licorice may cause low potassium levels and pseudohyperaldosteronism. In one case, a patient with severe low potassium levels was treated by eliminating licorice from her diet, replacing it with potassium-rich foods and supplements. Within a few months, her blood pressure returned to normal levels. Despite the potential dangers, glycyrrhizic acid in licorice is generally considered safe as a flavoring agent.

However, there are still some health risks associated with consuming licorice. Although it is largely harmless in low doses, glycyrrhizic acid in licorice has been linked to increased blood pressure and reduced potassium in women on oral contraceptives. Licorice also inhibits the production of aldosterone in the body, leading to increased levels of cortisol in peripheral venous blood.