Many people enjoy the sweet and slightly bitter taste of licorice. It is a popular flavor in candies, teas, and even some traditional remedies.
For a long time, many believed that eating small amounts of licorice was harmless. However, new research suggests that even a small daily amount may have effects on the body, especially on blood pressure.
Licorice comes from the root of a plant called Glycyrrhiza. This plant has been used for hundreds of years in different cultures, both as a sweetener and as a natural medicine. Its sweetness comes from a natural substance called glycyrrhizic acid. This chemical is much sweeter than sugar, but it also has strong effects on the body.
Glycyrrhizic acid can change how the body controls salt and water. When this balance is affected, the body may hold on to more salt and fluid. This can lead to an increase in blood pressure. High blood pressure is a serious health issue because it raises the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other problems.
Health organizations such as the European Union and the World Health Organization have suggested that up to 100 milligrams of glycyrrhizic acid per day is safe for most people. This amount is often considered a low or moderate intake. But a new study from Linköping University in Sweden shows that even this “safe” level may still affect the body.
The study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, involved 28 healthy young adults between the ages of 18 and 30. These participants did not have known health problems, which allowed the researchers to see how licorice affects people who are generally healthy.
The researchers divided the participants into two groups. One group ate licorice that contained 100 milligrams of glycyrrhizic acid each day. The other group ate a similar product that tasted salty but did not contain licorice. After two weeks, the groups switched, so each person tried both products.
During the study, participants measured their blood pressure every day at home. The researchers also tested their blood and checked hormone levels, salt balance, and signs that the heart might be under stress.
The results showed clear changes. Even at the recommended “safe” level, licorice caused an average increase in blood pressure of 3.1 mmHg. While this number may seem small, even slight increases in blood pressure can raise health risks over time, especially for people who already have heart problems.
The study also found that licorice lowered the levels of two important hormones called renin and aldosterone. These hormones help the body control fluid and salt levels. When their levels drop, the body may hold more fluid, which can increase blood pressure.
Some participants were more sensitive to these effects. They showed signs such as slight weight gain, fluid retention, and higher levels of a substance called NT-proBNP. This substance is often used as a sign that the heart is under stress.
These findings suggest that even small amounts of licorice can affect the body in ways that were not fully understood before. This is especially important for people who already have high blood pressure or heart disease. For them, even a small increase could be risky.
Another concern is that many licorice products do not clearly show how much glycyrrhizic acid they contain. This makes it easy for people to consume more than they realize. Without clear labeling, it is difficult to know how much is safe.
The researchers believe that better food labels and more public awareness are needed. People should know that licorice is not just a harmless treat, but something that can affect their health.
This study is a reminder that everyday foods can have powerful effects on the body. What we eat plays an important role in heart health. While licorice can still be enjoyed, it may be wise to eat it in very small amounts or avoid it if you have concerns about blood pressure.
As research continues, scientists hope to better understand how foods like licorice affect the body. This knowledge can help people make safer choices and protect their long-term health.
If you care about high blood pressure, please read studies that early time-restricted eating could help improve blood pressure, and natural coconut sugar could help reduce blood pressure and artery stiffness.
For more information about blood pressure, please see recent studies about How to eat your way to healthy blood pressure and results showing that Modified traditional Chinese cuisine can lower blood pressure.
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