What to know

Don’t Eat Too Much Licorice, Specialists Warn

glycyrrhizin, found in black licorice, can cause potassium levels to drop drastically

There are many versions of black licorice, loved by millions around the world, but they might all be dangerous.

Although many people around the world don’t like licorice, those who do are mostly loyalists who have it as often as they can. Although one understand the danger of eating too much candy, the black sweet has much more danger hiding in its composition.

Most types of candy licorice contain a sweetening compound found in the licorice root known as glycyrrhizin, which gives it its sweet taste. However, glycyrrhizin can, and most probably will, affect potassium levels in the human body, and could cause them to drop drastically and put you in danger.

This rapid drop in potassium can lead to high blood pressure, swelling, and even arrhythmia.

But what is more scary, is the fact that you don’t need binge on licorice to be affected. According to the American Food and Drug Administration (FDA), people over 40 can suffer from heart problems from eating two ounces of black licorice a day over the course of two weeks.

Thus, the FDA recommend that people are more conscious about how much black licorice they consume, and says that one should stop eating it if they feel any changes in their body.

However, any types of licorice-flavored candy does not contain as much glycyrrhizin and will therefore not have the same results. But be careful either way.

You Might Also Like