Tag: Licorice extract

With a history spanning thousands of years, licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has been revered in traditional medicine systems for its potent compounds, particularly glycyrrhizin and flavonoids. Today, modern science continues to investigate and confirm the numerous beneficial effects licorice extract can have on the body, affecting everything from digestive comfort to skin health.

According to traditional Chinese medicine, licorice root has been used for thousands of years for its various therapeutic properties, and its extract remains a popular ingredient today. The good news is that licorice extract is widely available for purchase, but the variety you need depends heavily on its intended use.

According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), long-term or excessive use of licorice root containing glycyrrhizin can cause serious adverse effects. Understanding who should not take licorice root extract is vital to prevent potential health risks and dangerous drug interactions.

While the sweetness of liquorice root is legendary, many are surprised to learn its primary sweetening compound is not sugar, but a powerful substance called glycyrrhizin. The root does contain some natural sugars, but it is this unique component that gives it its intense, lingering sweet flavor,.

Over 80% of Dutch people consume liquorice, or 'drop,' on a regular basis. The core components of this popular confectionery include licorice root extract, sweeteners like sugar and molasses, and thickeners, but what are the ingredients in Dutch liquorice that make it so diverse and distinctive? The answer lies in key additions like salmiak (ammonium chloride) and different starches.

A confirmation from Darrell Lea states that their black licorice contains licorice root extract. However, the presence and concentration of glycyrrhizin, the sweetening compound from the licorice root, can vary greatly by product and manufacturer. Australian licorice is known for its soft, chewy texture, setting it apart from firmer European varieties.

Dating back to ancient Egypt, where it was revered as a sweet medicinal drink for pharaohs, licorice root has a long history of therapeutic use. Modern consumers continue to find various ways to consume licorice root, from brewing soothing teas to incorporating powdered forms into recipes for a unique flavor.

While many candies are flavored to taste like licorice, the FDA confirms that only those containing licorice root extract actually contain glycyrrhizin, the active compound. This sweetening agent has been linked to side effects, making it a critical ingredient for consumers to understand.

According to the ingredients list on a standard package, red Twizzlers do not contain glycyrrhizin, the compound found in licorice root. Many people mistakenly associate the chewy, twisted red candy with licorice, but in reality, they are a fruit-flavored confection completely different in composition from traditional black licorice.

According to the official ingredient list, Twizzlers black licorice contains 2% or less of licorice extract. This small amount is combined with other natural and artificial flavors.