Liquorice: The sweet remedy with unexpected health benefits

Liquorice is a plant with many medicinal properties in herbal medicine and cosmetics. The main medicinal and cosmetic ingredient is liquorice root, which turns yellow after drying. It is also lovely (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.

Liquorice - 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, the bacteria responsible for tooth decay. Therefore, liquorice extract is used in sweets, 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.

Liquorice 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. Liquorice 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.