LIQUORICE lovers hold on to your shorts!
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.”
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.
WATCH: How to make liquorice tea
Find out more about the benefits and side effects of liquorice at healthline.com
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