Licorice candy is a much-loved chewy relish, that is a favorite among youngsters, young adults, and now even grownups. Learn about the benefits and side effects of eating this candy.
The licorice plant is a part of the pea family, and grows in places of Asia, southern Europe, and the Mediterranean. It is also grown in other countries, like Spain and Russia. The licorice root is what is mostly used, being rich in glycyrrhizic acid. This part of the plant is extremely sweet; about fifty times sweeter than table sugar. Licorice extract is used extensively as flavoring in alcohol, food, and also as candy. It takes root from the Latin word liquirtia, and is known mainly for its medicinal value. In the US, this is commonly known as ‘black licorice candy’.
Being a flavored herb, this is known as ‘sweet root’ for its sweet composition. It has a soothing effect on the body, and can rid the respiratory tract from phlegm, that is lodged from within. There’s another kind of licorice used, where its active ingredient is deglycyrrhizinated licorice. Its effects aren’t like that of ordinary licorice, and is used for complex health problems like ulcers or canker sores.
Licorice Candy Nutrition Chart
The health benefits of this candy will be looked into shortly, but before we do reveal its therapeutic properties, we first find out exactly what makes up its nutritional content.
Licorice Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient Content | Black Licorice Candy (7 pieces = 150 Calories) |
| Sodium | 15mg |
| Sugars | 25g |
| Iron | 20% |
| Fat | 1.5g |
| Carbohydrates | 32g |
| Calcium | 10% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Protein | 1g |
Health Benefits of Licorice Candy
The benefits of this candy can be used to aid many health related problems where you can take advantage of its umpteen properties.
- Can help those suffering from herpes.
- Soothes joints of those ailing from arthritis.
- Helps anti spasmodic patients.
- Can play the part of a laxative.
- Helps regulate stomach acidity levels, therefore aiding weight loss.
- It can help fight feverish symptoms.
- It can treat stomach ulcers, being able to fuel the body’s immune system to help combat these.
- Aids those suffering from dyspepsia and even eczema.
- Helps hypoglycemia diabetics.
- Acts as a diuretic.
- Aids those who have cirrhosis of the liver.
- It contains anti-allergic properties that are good for respiration.
- Helps those suffering from premenstrual/menopausal syndrome.
- Aids those with hepatitis.
- Acts as a cortisone, but doesn’t have its negative properties.
Side Effects of Licorice Candy
The side effects have to be taken into consideration where those who suffer from arterial hypertension and kidney disorders, to name a few, have to avoid ingesting this candy.
- It can alter one’s heartbeat rate.
- Causes fluid retention.
- Overeating licorice can lead to paralysis.
- Face/limb swelling.
- High blood pressure.
- Reduces basal metabolic rate, thus decreasing the function of the thyroid gland.
- It can worsen kidney problems, or lead up to it in the future.
- Decreases one’s potassium levels.
- Weakens muscles.
- Causes loss of libido.
- Leads to hormonal imbalance.
- Fatigue
- Muscle pain and deterioration.
- It isn’t good for pregnant women since this elevates blood pressure.
- Can alter one’s sugar levels.
- Shouldn’t be coupled with digoxin, which can be a deadly combo when eaten.
Licorice candy is easily identifiable, since it comes in knotted, colorful knit-like strands, with a varied number of flavors to complement its deep sweetened taste.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.
