Many people love the unique taste of licorice, but new research from Linköping University in Sweden shows that even small amounts of it can raise blood pressure.
This surprising discovery challenges past beliefs that licorice is harmless in small doses.
Licorice is made from the root of a plant called Glycyrrhiza. It has been used in traditional medicine and as a flavor in candy and drinks for hundreds of years. Its sweet flavor comes from a chemical called glycyrrhizic acid. This chemical can affect how the body handles salt and water, which may lead to higher blood pressure—a major risk for heart problems.
Health groups like the European Union and the World Health Organization say that eating up to 100 milligrams of glycyrrhizic acid per day is generally safe. But the new study shows that even this amount might be too much for some people. In Sweden, about 5% of people regularly eat more than the recommended limit, which could put their health at risk.
The study was published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Researchers worked with 28 healthy young adults between 18 and 30 years old.
They split them into two groups. One group ate licorice containing 100 milligrams of glycyrrhizic acid, while the other group ate a similar-tasting product with salmiak (a salty ingredient) but no licorice. After two weeks, the groups switched, so that everyone tried both types.
During the study, participants checked their blood pressure every day at home. Scientists also measured their hormone levels, salt balance, and signs of stress on the heart.
The results were clear. Even the so-called “safe” dose of 100 milligrams of glycyrrhizic acid caused an average rise in blood pressure by 3.1 mmHg. The licorice also lowered the levels of two important hormones—renin and aldosterone—that help the body manage fluids and salt.
Some people who were more sensitive to these changes also had slight weight gain, water retention, and higher levels of NT-proBNP, a substance that signals the heart is under stress.
These results show that even small amounts of licorice can affect the body, especially for people who are already at risk of high blood pressure or heart disease. A small increase in blood pressure might not harm everyone, but it could be dangerous for people with existing health issues.
One big problem is that most licorice products don’t say how much glycyrrhizic acid they contain. This means people might eat too much without knowing it. The study suggests there should be better food labels and more public awareness of licorice’s effects.
This research also reminds us that what we eat can have a big impact on heart health. Foods like licorice aren’t the only ones that affect blood pressure—other things like potassium, vitamins, and even potatoes are being studied for their effects on the heart.
For people who want to protect their heart, it’s a good idea to be careful with how much licorice they eat. Whether it’s in candy, tea, or supplements, even a little bit could raise your blood pressure.
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