Licorice: The sweet remedy with health and weight loss benefits
4:03 PM EDT, May 27, 2024
Sweeter than sugar, but much healthier, and even showing anti-cancer properties, licorice is a remedy for an insatiable craving for sweets. Not everyone will enjoy its taste, but it's worth trying from time to time.
Licorice is a plant with many medicinal properties in both herbal medicine and cosmetics. The primary medicinal and cosmetic raw material is liquorice root, which turns yellow after drying. It is also very sweet (with a spicy, slightly bitter aftertaste) due to glycyrrhizin (glycyrrhizic acid) – a compound 50-100 times sweeter than white sugar. However, it's worth noting that consuming too much liquorice can negatively affect health.
Licorice - health benefits
One essential use of liquorice is supporting the healing process of stomach and duodenal ulcers. Its properties can also benefit people struggling with gastritis or irritable bowel syndrome. Additionally, the active compounds in liquorice can protect the liver.
Another area where liquorice is used is dentistry. Studies have shown that dried liquorice root positively affects dental health. It inhibits the growth of Streptococcus mutans, a bacteria responsible for tooth decay. Therefore, liquorice extract is used in sweets and many kinds of toothpaste and mouthwashes.
Licorice is used to treat respiratory infections and can also alleviate symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), such as craving for sweets, low mood, or water retention in the body. The glycyrrhizin in liquorice also exhibits anti-cancer properties.
Licorice instead of sweets?
Because of its sweet properties, liquorice can serve as a natural alternative to sugar. If you crave something sweet, try liquorice candies – they can help satisfy your sweet tooth. Remember to consume liquorice in moderation, as excess can lead to unwanted effects such as high blood pressure or concentration problems.
Moreover, studies conducted on a group of overweight individuals have shown that supplementation with liquorice extract has a weight loss effect. This extract is recommended for those looking to shed extra pounds and athletes seeking a safe fat-burning agent.
An additional benefit of liquorice supplementation is its ability to promote muscle tissue growth. Licorice improves the condition of bones and joints and provides the body with valuable compounds essential during weight reduction. It effectively enhances mental and physical performance, making it an ideal supplement to training.
