Licorice is a low-growing shrub mostly grown for commercial use in Greece, Turkey, and Asia. The plant’s root is used as a traditional remedy in both Eastern and Western medicine.
It has been used to treat many health conditions such as heartburn, stomach ulcers, bronchitis, sore throat, cough and some infections caused by viruses, such as hepatitis.
Black licorice is a common snack, and many people enjoy it in daily life and holidays.
But in a recent study from the FDA, researchers found that eating too much black licorice may lead to high blood pressure and an irregular heart rhythm or arrhythmia. The harmful effects are particularly strong in people over 40.
Previous research has shown that the snack could harm people’s heart health. For example, it could contribute to increased blood pressure. People with a high risk of the disease need to control their intake.
In this study, the team found that eating two ounces of black licorice a day for at least two weeks could harm heart health.
They explain that black licorice contains the compound glycyrrhizin, the sweetening compound derived from licorice root.
The compound can decrease potassium levels in the body. This could lead to abnormal heart rhythms, high blood pressure, swelling, lethargy, and congestive heart failure.
The effects are especially high in people over 40 and people who have a high risk of heart disease.
When people stop eating black licorice, their potassium levels are usually restored with no permanent health problems.
The team says black licorice can also interact with some medications, herbs and dietary supplements. Healthy people need to avoid eating large amounts of black licorice at one time.
And if people have an irregular heart rhythm or muscle weakness, they should stop eating the food immediately and talk to their doctors.
One researcher of the study is FDA’s Linda Katz, M.D.
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