As a child I loved licorice, especially black licorice. It’s a sweet treat that has followed me as I’ve gotten older but according to the Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) this is one treat that I should avoid.
Black Licorice is hazardous to adults over 40. According to the FDA,
“…eating 2 ounces of black licorice a day for at least two weeks could land you in the hospital with an irregular heart rhythm or arrhythmia. FDA experts say black licorice contains the compound glycyrrhizin, which is the sweetening compound derived from licorice root. Glycyrrhizin can cause potassium levels in the body to fall. When that happens, some people experience abnormal
heart rhythms, as well as high blood pressure, edema (swelling), lethargy, and congestive heart failure.”
The FDA also warns that regardless of your age, Black Licorice eaters should be aware of the following:
- Don’t eat a lot at any one time.
- If you have an irregular heart rhythm or muscle weakness, stop eating it at once and see a doctor.
- Black licorice can interfere with medications, herbs and dietary supplements. Before eating ask your doctor about possible interactions.
Are you a Black Licorice lover? Will this change your Black Licorice eating habits?
{ 12 comments… add one }
Wow that is crazy. I love the black licorice flovored jelly bellies.
Be careful who consume it then!
wow i am so happy i did not eat this thanks for the post
Wow! I had no idea! Very good information, I will pass this along.
OMG! I have never heard of this but it does make complete sense and it never crossed by mind. I am well over 40 and am a black licorice addict! I eat the altoids in licorice, drink licorice tea etc and LOVE the candy- I was wondering what was making my heart race I thought it was sugar!
Finally..a health warning that does not take away something I love! Glad I wasn’t a fan.
Now excuse me while I go raid my son’s Halloween chocolate 🙂
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Woooooooo its crazy mmmmmm i like
Wow, who knew? Thanks for spreading the word.
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I never knew this. I’ll have to tell my dad who has heart problems.
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the real stuff from licorice root, is a potent herbal medicine. I grew up with a craving for licorice, always picking out the black jelly beans. It took me decades to learn that it has anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, immune-activating, demulcent, and expectorant properties.
Turns out I have had asthma since childhood and licorice relieves breathing congestion.
Licorice is not something anyone should overdo. While I still love licorice, I only drink the tea when having a cold/coughing. I still pick out the stray black jelly bean but never buy just a bag of the candy.
I love black jelly beans,and licorice. I guess it’s a good thing that i don’t eat them too often, thanks for the info 🙂
I saw this on the news. Glad I’m not a fan, but will share with family and friends.