Licorice Benefits And Risks

Licorice has been a popular sweetener among many cultures throughout the world since ancient times. It has found a place in traditional Chinese medicine as well, having been used for many years to treat high blood sugar levels and as an antiseptic. Other applications include treating toothaches and treating acne. We will explore some of the health benefits of licorice in this article.

Licorice has an unusual flavor, somewhat like that of cranberry, but with a licorice taste. Licorice does have caloric values, but these are fairly minimal when compared to other sugar alternatives, and it is rarely considered a dieter's food. Licorice also has a number of health benefits, and although licorice may not help with weight loss, it can help with a number of other medical conditions. Licorice may also have some medicinal value in the treatment of nausea and vomiting during chemotherapy. Although licorice does not actually have calories, it does contain glycyrrhizin (the sweetness substance), which may contribute to losing weight by causing the body to naturally burn stored fat for energy.

Licorice does have some potentially harmful side effects, but these are not generally considered to be significant. Licorice may cause elevated blood pressure and mild constipation in some individuals, but these effects are generally only mild and do not usually cause serious problems. Another potentially harmful effect of licorice could be decreased potassium levels in the body. Licorice tends to produce a glycyrrhizin (sugar residue) content, and potassium is needed to maintain healthy kidney function. However, elevated potassium levels could be dangerous if they are too high and should be discussed with your doctor.

What is licorice to eat? There are several good sources for this sweet, flavorful herb. The glycyrrhizin in licorice has a sweeter flavor than most other fruits, but it has a somewhat strong flavor as well. Licorice, as with most fruits and vegetables, can be purchased at your grocery store and prepared as a smoothie, sprinkled on cereal or eaten as a snack. If you enjoy licorice, it is a great addition to any diet - including the diabetic diet.

What is licorice to avoid? Like most natural ingredients, the potential toxicity of licorice depends on the quantity consumed and the individual characteristics of each person. Specifically, if you suffer from a kidney condition, kidney disease, or are on medications that could result in increased blood pressure or low potassium levels, or have a history of allergic reactions to food or medications, you should avoid licorice completely. Similarly, individuals with hypoglycemia, high blood pressure, or are taking anticoagulant drugs, should avoid licorice as well.

Licorice can be used to sweeten foods as a substitute for sugar or to add flavor to beverages, such as orange juice. The American Diabetes Association has recommended that licorice is used in place of sugar in soft drinks, which contain artificial flavoring, and ice cream, which often contain milk, cream, or sugar. However, licorice should not be consumed in large quantities since this can lower potassium levels in the body.

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