LIQUORICE lovers hold on to your shorts!
Today is dedicated to the delicious and much loved liquorice and the celebration of its history.
Believe it or not. the liquorice sweets and ropes we all know and love are derived from a liquorice root. Originating in Southern Asia and then spreading through the Middle East and into southern Europe, liquorice was first reported to have been grown in England at a monastery in Pontefract. The liquorice root continued growing in popularity as it reached the shores of America before spreading its deliciousness across the world.
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Liquorice or liquorice root is believed to have many health benefits as well as its downsides if you overinduldge. But as the saying goes, “Too much of a good thing is no good.”
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Benefits of liquorice
- It soothes your stomach: In cases of food poisoning, stomach ulcers, and heartburn, liquorice root extract can speed the repair of the stomach’s lining and restore balance.
- Cleanse your respiratory system: Liquorice is also recommended to treat respiratory problems. Taking liquorice as an oral supplement can help the production of healthy mucus.
- Reduces stress: Overstressing can leave the adrenal gland overworked. Help relieve the adrenal gland with the support of liquorice supplements.
Possible Side Effects
- Too much liquorice root extract can lead to low levels of potassium in the body, which causes muscle weakness. This condition is called hypokalemi.
- High blood pressure and heartbeat irregularity are other side effects that can result from consuming too much liquorice.Women that are pregnant or breast-feeding are advised to avoid liquorice in all forms altogether.
- People with hypertension should also avoid liquorice root.
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Find out more about the benefits and side effects of liquorice at healthline.com
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