Is Licorice Bad For You?
Also Known As: liquorice
Short answer
If we are talking about real licorice, a little bit every now and then may be beneficial, but regular consumption can become dangerous after just a couple of weeks. If we are talking about the candy "licorice," then there are no health benefits to be had.
Recommended Alternative
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
First, it needs to be said that most "licorice" we eat in the States isn't actual licorice. None of the red licorice comes from the root of Glycyrrhiza glabra, and very seldom is black licorice made from the root of that plant. What we call licorice is mostly sugar with anise flavoring. Anise can actually be quite good for women who are menstruating as studies show that it may be effective in reducing pain associated therewith. However, it is of note that some people may be allergic, including those with known allergies to celery, asparagus, coriander, dill, and other plants similar to anise.
Real licorice or "sweet root" as it is also known, comes from the root of the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant. It is used widely as a flavoring in various foods, drinks, and even tobacco. The benefits and risks of licorice come from glycyrrhizic acid. While the research is still inconclusive and ongoing, some studies have shown data suggesting that glycyrrhizic acid can prevent the growth of H. pylori in the gut and reduce the risk of peptic ulcers and indigestion. Furthermore, licorice may be able to treat sore throat, mouth sores, and upper respiratory infections.
Glycyrrhizic acid is not without its risks, however. For one thing, eating licorice regularly for longer than two weeks can lead to a condition known as pseudoaldosteronism, further leading to hypertension, fluid retention, and a loss of potassium (and thereby increasing the risk of heart attack, stroke, and organ damage from excess sodium levels). Paralysis and permanent brain damage are also risk factors of continuous prolonged consumption of licorice. There is also concern that licorice can reduce testosterone in men and lower male sex drive.
The good news is that in America, most people do not consume enough licorice to be worried. Still, if by "licorice" you mean the candy licorice we are all familiar with, such as Twizzlers, then the things to worry about are refined sugar and food coloring. While sugar is known to cause obesity, heart disease, and cancer, food colorings are also of concern in that they may lead to hyperactivity in children as well as be carcinogenic. As a final note, licorice, whether as a candy or the real thing, should not be eaten by people with a history of heart problems or high blood pressure.
Possible short-term side effects
Possible long-term side effects
- pseudoaldosteronism
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lower testosterone in males
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reduced sex drive for males
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obesity (licorice candy)
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heart disease (licorice candy)
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cancer (licorice candy)
Ingredients to be aware of
- glycyrrhizin acid
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refined sugar (licorice candy)
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food coloring (licorice candy)
Benefits
- may help treat various stomach problems
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may treat upper respiratory infections
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may cure mouth sores
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may heal sore throat
Our Wellness Pick
(what is this?)
Panda Soft Licorice
- All natural recipe
- Soft texture
- 7 Oz. packaging
- Confectionery treat
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Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 02-22-2016
Last updated: 12-15-2023
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 02-22-2016
Last updated: 12-15-2023