Tag: Liquorice side effects

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), consuming just two ounces of black liquorice a day for at least two weeks could lead to hospitalization for an irregular heart rhythm. This highlights that the side effects of eating too much liquorice can be severe and require medical attention.

The compound glycyrrhizin, found in liquorice root, can cause serious adverse effects such as irregular heartbeat and elevated blood pressure when consumed in large amounts or over long periods. Therefore, it is crucial to understand who should exercise caution or avoid it entirely.

According to the FDA, consuming more than 2 ounces of black liquorice daily for at least two weeks can lead to an irregular heart rhythm in people over 40. While often used for its sweet flavor, excessive intake can pose significant health risks due to the compound glycyrrhizin.

With a sweetness that can be 50 to 170 times more intense than sugar, liquorice extract stands out as a potent natural alternative. This unique and ancient ingredient, derived from the root of the *Glycyrrhiza glabra* plant, offers a fascinating chemical profile that not only provides incredible sweetness but also carries a range of potential health benefits and risks.

Used for thousands of years in traditional medicine, the root of the liquorice plant contains over 300 active compounds. The question of whether eating liquorice is good for you is complex, depending heavily on the form consumed, the amount, and your individual health status. While licorice root offers potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, the sweet confection often contains risky levels of the compound glycyrrhizin.

According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, the compound glycyrrhizin in liquorice root can cause serious side effects, such as irregular heartbeat and cardiac arrest, especially when consumed in large amounts or over a long period. So, does liquorice have side effects? Yes, particularly when consumed excessively, and it is important to be aware of the associated risks.