In a new 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 harm is particularly strong in people who are 40 and older.
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 as a treatment for 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.
However, recent research has shown that the snack could harm people’s heart health.
For example, some studies have shown that it could contribute to increased blood pressure. People with a high risk of the disease need to control their intake.
In the current study, the FDA experts found that eating 2 ounces of black licorice a day for at least two weeks may harm heart health.
This is because 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 harmful effects are especially high in people over 40 and people who have a high risk of heart disease.
But the good news is that when people stop eating black licorice, their potassium levels are usually restored with no permanent health problems.
The researchers also warn that black licorice can interact with some medications, herbs and dietary supplements.
If people have concerns about possible interactions with a drug or supplement, they need to talk to their doctors.
Healthy people need to avoid eating large amounts of black licorice at one time. And ff people experience an irregular heart rhythm or muscle weakness, they should stop eating it immediately and contact their doctors.
One researcher of the study is FDA’s Linda Katz, M.D.
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