Tag: Anise oil

Did you know that the key sweetening compound in liquorice, glycyrrhizin, is up to 50 times sweeter than sugar? This powerful flavour compound is just one part of the story, prompting the question: what exactly is liquorice made from?

Did you know that the distinct, polarizing taste of black liquorice comes primarily from the root of the *Glycyrrhiza glabra* plant, which contains a compound up to 50 times sweeter than sugar? Unpacking what they put in black liquorice reveals a fascinating difference between traditionally-made confections and modern, mass-produced versions.

According to the FDA, consuming excessive amounts of real black liquorice can lead to serious health issues like irregular heart rhythm and high blood pressure, especially for individuals over 40. This raises a critical question: is eating liquorice candy healthy? The answer depends heavily on the specific product and the amount consumed.

According to the European Medicines Agency, the plant *Pimpinella anisum* (anise) and its essential oils are known to contain estragole. This naturally occurring compound, also found in other herbs like tarragon and basil, has sparked safety concerns due to potential health risks at very high doses.

While the US FDA has listed anise seed as a substance that can be safely added to food, potential side effects from eating anise seed can arise, particularly for certain individuals or when consumed in concentrated forms. This versatile spice, celebrated for centuries for its distinct licorice-like flavor, is generally safe in culinary amounts but requires caution in medicinal doses.

According to the National Institutes of Health, licorice root contains a compound called glycyrrhizin that can cause serious side effects, especially in high amounts. This critical fact sets the stage for exploring the question: Are licorice candy healthy? The answer is more complex than a simple yes or no, depending largely on ingredients, quantity, and individual health status.

According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, many red licorice products in the U.S. do not contain any actual licorice root and are flavored with anise oil instead, meaning the primary health risks differ from those associated with black licorice. Answering the question 'Is it bad to eat too much red licorice?' requires understanding its ingredients versus its black counterpart.