LICORICE – sweet flavor with healthy bites

Sweets are delicious. But munching on sugary snacks always isn’t good for your health and it can be a tough gig for people with sweet tooth. Worried? Do not worry about this, because there is still hope. So, if you are looking for a healthy and delicious snack then licorice is a good one. Licorice is a root of glycyrrhiza glabra plant. It’s native to Europe and Asia. It is also known as sweet root and is used in beverages and candies.

It’s surprising that there are so many health benefits of licorice. This delicious licorice is not just a sweet treat. Licorice was loved by early Egyptians and later it was used in Chinese medicinal preparation. Unless you try it, you won’t know the benefits. It could be one of the best dietary supplements.

Read on to learn about the health benefits of licorice root extract.

 Nutritional profile of licorice: The bioactive substance present in licorice are:

·         Liquiritigenin-a phytoestrogen

·         Glycyrrhizin-also called glycyrrhizic acid is the most abundant compound in licorice root

·         Carbohydrates (starch and sugars like glucose, fructose and sucrose) minerals and bioactive plants compounds.

 

Benefits of licorice

·         Cleanses the respiratory system:  Licorice helps to alleviate cold and flu-like symptoms such as cough and sore throat. It is also recommended to treat respiratory problems. It can effectively remove mucus. Consuming licorice as an oral supplement helps the body to produce healthy mucus thus the production of healthy and clean phlegm production keeps the respiratory system functioning properly. For asthma patients sipping a tea made with licorice root can alleviate the constriction in the airways.

·         Good for digestive system: Licorice roots are filled with phytonutrients. Adding licorice into your diet can prevent the stomach from the development of H.pylori .It also soothes gastrointestinal problems. Licorice extract can speed up the repairing of the stomach lining and restores the balance in cases like food poisoning, stomach ulcers and heartburn etc. Licorice tea can ward off symptoms associated with dyspepsia and indigestion. Some consume licorice tea to keep their stomach tip-top. So, swap your coffee with licorice tea and see the difference.

·         A hepatoprotective: Liver is the detoxifying organ of the body and most often nutritionists recommend consuming a diet packed with phytonutrients because they are necessary for the proper functioning of the liver. Licorice act as a detoxifier because it expels chemicals, toxins and keeps your liver healthy. Taking licorice root tea daily is not harmful. When licorice is consumed in adequate amount, the nutrient neutralizes high levels of liver toxicity restores the normal functioning of the liver. A recent study also revealed that glycyrrhizin a component in licorice could combat factors that are responsible for liver toxicity.

·         Alleviates cholesterol levels: Is your bad cholesterol increasing day by day? Licorice can be a solution to this. The bile acids account for alleviating excessive cholesterol in the body. Flavonoids in licorice are thought to increase bile flow thus alleviating excess cholesterol.

·          Immunity Booster:  Phytonutrients boosts our immunity and licorice contains selenium, zinc, magnesium, iron, potassium, and various phytonutrients that boost immune system naturally. Licorice tea when taken on a regular basis help to strengthen the immune cells and eliminates infectious bacteria, toxins etc.

·         Maintains your oral health:  Oral is also as important as other body parts. If oral problems are not treated for a longer period of time, then it might lead to oral cancer. Licorice can show wonders in case of oral health.

·         Licorice root for skin: It contains an active ingredients glabridin. Licorice extract contains many potential antioxidants that protect the skin from environmental hazards which helps to balance the oily skin. It also helps diminish the appearance of dark under-eye circles, discoloration and age spots. Skin disorders like psoriasis, dry skin, and skin rashes can be healed by the application of cold licorice tea. It has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and demulcent properties which help to heal various skin conditions such as redness and inflammation. Licorice root can also be supplemented.

·         May improve male fertility and alleviate PMS symptoms in females:

For Males: Licorice root can be helpful in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. It is beneficial for maintaining male hormonal levels. Some studies believed that serum testosterone levels might be increased by intake of licorice.

For Females: Licorice is very effective to relief from menstrual cramps. The roots have estrogen-like effect in women and thus alleviates the symptoms of PMS and menopause.

In a study it was also found that it is helpful in reducing the duration of hot flashes.

Side effects

Nothing comes without side effect and thus licorice has its own share-

·         Low potassium levels might lead to hypokalemia

·         Overuse may lead to kidney diseases

·         Might interfere with blood pressure- stop taking it before surgeries

·         Breast-feeding and pregnant ladies should avoid this.