Black licorice may seem like a harmless and tasty snack, especially around holidays, but new research from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) shows it can be risky—especially for people over the age of 40.
While many people enjoy the unique flavor of black licorice, eating too much of it could harm your heart and lead to serious health problems.
Licorice comes from the root of a small plant that grows mainly in countries like Greece, Turkey, and parts of Asia. For hundreds of years, this root has been used in traditional medicine in both the East and the West.
It has been used to treat problems like heartburn, sore throats, stomach ulcers, coughing, bronchitis, and even some viral infections such as hepatitis.
Even though licorice root has helpful qualities, the risks of eating large amounts of black licorice candy are not as well known. The FDA’s recent warning shows that eating too much black licorice can lead to high blood pressure and irregular heart rhythms—also known as arrhythmias.
These effects are more likely to happen in people over 40 or those who already have heart problems.
The main cause of these health concerns is a chemical called glycyrrhizin, which gives black licorice its sweet taste. Glycyrrhizin can cause potassium levels in the body to drop too low. Potassium is an important mineral that helps keep your heart working normally.
When your potassium gets too low, you may experience problems like an irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, swelling, feeling tired, or in extreme cases, even heart failure.
According to the FDA, eating just two ounces of black licorice every day for two weeks can cause heart issues. The good news is that if someone stops eating it, their potassium levels usually return to normal. But even though the effects go away, the danger is still very real.
Black licorice can also interfere with some medications, herbs, or dietary supplements. This means it can make the side effects of certain drugs worse or increase the risk of other health problems. If you take medicine for your heart or have other health conditions, it’s especially important to be careful with black licorice.
Because of these risks, the FDA suggests that people avoid eating large amounts of black licorice at one time. If you notice strange symptoms like muscle weakness or an irregular heartbeat after eating it, stop right away and see a doctor.
Black licorice might remind some people of their childhood, but as we get older, we need to pay more attention to how certain foods affect our health. The key is moderation. Enjoy black licorice in small amounts and be aware of how your body reacts.
Being informed helps us make better choices. So if you’re a fan of black licorice, enjoy it occasionally—but don’t overdo it. Your heart will thank you for being careful.
If you care about blood pressure, please read studies about why checking blood pressure while lying down is very important and lowering top blood pressure number to less than 120 mm Hg effectively prevents heart disease.
If you care about blood pressure, please read studies that turmeric and vitamin D may boost blood pressure control in type 2 diabetes and scientists find link between blood pressure drugs and bowel diseases.
Copyright © 2025 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
