Black licorice might seem like an old-fashioned candy, but it’s still a favorite treat for many people, especially during the holidays.
While it may bring back childhood memories and has a long history of use in traditional medicine, new warnings from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) show that eating too much black licorice can pose serious health risks—particularly for people over the age of 40.
Licorice root comes from a small shrub found mostly in Greece, Turkey, and parts of Asia. It has been used in both Eastern and Western traditional medicine for centuries to help with everything from sore throats and coughs to stomach ulcers and viral infections.
Despite these benefits, consuming black licorice in candy form is very different from using small amounts of the root for medicinal purposes—and the difference could impact your health.
The FDA’s recent findings point to a compound in black licorice called glycyrrhizin, which gives the candy its signature sweetness. Glycyrrhizin can cause your potassium levels to drop, and that’s where the problem begins.
Potassium is vital for keeping your heart beating properly and your muscles working as they should. When potassium levels fall too low, people can experience high blood pressure, irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias), swelling, tiredness, and even heart failure in more severe cases.
How much is too much? The FDA found that eating just two ounces of black licorice a day for two weeks could lead to heart problems. While the effects often go away once you stop eating the candy, they can still be dangerous—especially if you’re older or have existing health conditions.
People over 40 are more likely to be affected, especially those with heart disease, high blood pressure, or those taking medications that affect the heart. Even if you consider yourself healthy, eating large amounts of black licorice can trigger unexpected issues.
Black licorice can also interact with medications, herbs, and supplements, making its effects stronger or more dangerous. If you’re on any medications—especially for heart or blood pressure issues—it’s best to talk to your doctor before having this treat.
If you notice symptoms like irregular heartbeat, muscle weakness, or fatigue after eating black licorice, stop eating it right away and contact a healthcare professional.
The FDA’s advice is simple: enjoy black licorice in moderation. A small amount every now and then is unlikely to cause harm, but regularly eating large amounts could seriously affect your health.
It’s always good to be aware of how the foods we eat can interact with our bodies, especially as we age. Knowing the risks helps us make smarter choices without giving up the things we enjoy entirely.
So if you love black licorice, feel free to have a few pieces once in a while—but skip making it a daily habit. Your heart, and your overall health, will be better for it.
If you care about high blood pressure, please read studies about potatoes and high blood pressure, and top 10 choices for a blood pressure-friendly diet
For more information about high blood pressure, please see recent studies about impact of vitamins on high blood pressure you need to know, and the powerful link between high blood pressure and a potassium-rich diet.
Copyright © 2025 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
