Tag: Deglycyrrhizinated licorice

A common misconception exists regarding DGL, or Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice, as it is not found naturally in any food source but is a manufactured supplement. This means no food is 'high in DGL,' because the substance is created by removing the glycyrrhizin compound from licorice root to enhance safety and specific therapeutic properties.

Used for centuries in traditional medicine, licorice root is renowned for its anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and soothing properties, but its powerful compounds require careful timing and attention to safety. Navigating its use for issues like acid reflux, sore throats, or potential adrenal support depends on the specific ailment and form of the herb.

Used for thousands of years in traditional medicine, licorice root contains nearly 300 different compounds, including the active ingredient glycyrrhizin, which is significantly sweeter than sugar. The answer to "is plant-based licorice good for you" is complex and depends heavily on the form and quantity consumed.

While regular licorice contains glycyrrhizin, which can cause significant side effects, DGL licorice has this compound removed to be safer. However, despite this processing, certain individuals must still avoid or use extreme caution when taking DGL licorice to prevent potential health complications.

According to a 2017 study, some herbal formulas containing DGL have been shown to help manage symptoms of GERD, but its interaction profile with nutrients and medications remains a critical consideration. Many people use DGL to support digestive health, yet harbor concerns about its potential impact on absorption.

Dating back thousands of years to ancient medicinal practices, licorice root (*Glycyrrhiza glabra*) is the sole natural source of DGL. However, it is a crucial detail that deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) is not found in nature but is a processed form of this root, created by removing a specific compound for safety.

Historically prized for its medicinal properties, liquorice root's sweet taste comes from a compound up to 50 times sweeter than sugar: glycyrrhizin. This potent triterpenoid saponin is at the heart of what is liquorice high in, alongside a spectrum of other beneficial phytochemicals responsible for its distinctive flavour and traditional uses.

Health organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), have suggested that the daily intake of glycyrrhizin—the active compound in liquorice—should not exceed 100 mg for most healthy adults to prevent adverse effects like high blood pressure and low potassium levels. This guideline, however, has been reevaluated following research suggesting negative effects may occur even at this level. The amount considered safe varies widely depending on the individual's health status, the form of liquorice consumed, and underlying health conditions.

While standard licorice root can cause serious side effects like irregular heartbeat due to the compound glycyrrhizin, the DGL form is generally safer but still not suitable for everyone. Anyone considering DGL supplements must understand the critical contraindications to ensure their safety and avoid potential health risks.

Over 3,000 years ago, traditional medicine began using licorice root for digestive issues, but modern health-conscious consumers often ask, "What food has DGL?". The key takeaway is that deglycyrrhizinated licorice, or DGL, is a processed extract from the licorice plant, not a naturally occurring compound in food. It is typically consumed in supplement form, specifically tablets or capsules, for its gastrointestinal benefits.