Liquorice is a popular treat in many cultures. It’s best known for its distinctive black color and strong flavor that comes from a natural sweetness called glycyrrhizin. This sweetener has been used as a medicine in Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Homeopathy for over 5,000 years. Liquorice is often included in cough syrups and lozenges to soothe the throat. In addition to having these medical benefits, liquorice also offers many other health benefits.
Health Benefits Of Liquorice :
Cancer Prevention :
Liquorice has been shown to have an anti-cancer effect and prevents cancer from spreading. It’s believed to work by suppressing the spread of tumor cells and slowing down the growth of tumor cells. Liquorice also inhibits platelet aggregation, which means it can inhibit blood clot formation and is often used in Ayurveda for this purpose.
Digestive Health :
Liquorice root can help to improve digestive health, as it contains certain enzymes that aid in the breakdown of proteins. It also has a soothing effect on the stomach and intestines and can aid with other digestive issues like diarrhea and heartburn.
Heart Health :
One of the most significant liquorice benefits is its ability to improve heart health. Liquorice has a long history in Chinese medicine for aiding the heart and strengthening blood vessels. Research supports this use by showing that liquorice can help lower high cholesterol, prevent arterial blockages, reduce high blood pressure, and even fight inflammation.
Oral Health :
If you’ve never heard of liquorice, you might not know that it can help prevent tooth decay and promote oral health. It does this by strengthening tooth enamel and regulating pH levels in the mouth. Liquorice is often chewed or eaten with brushing to help protect teeth from cavities and plaque build-up. Liquorice can also be used as a natural remedy for dry mouth, which occurs when salivary glands stop producing enough saliva to keep the mouth moist.
Helps To Reduce Stress & Anxiety :
Liquorice contains the amino acid Glycine, which is known for its calming effect.
Supports Healthy Blood Sugar Levels :
Glycyrrhizin in liquorice binds to the sweet receptors on your tongue, causing a sharp drop in blood sugar levels after consuming it.
Improves Digestion :
Liquorice helps to break down the food you eat through a process called autolysis, leading to better absorption of nutrients from your food.
Supports Bone Health :
The minerals magnesium and calcium found in liquorice are important for bone health as they help with calcium absorption and reducing inflammation.
Provides Relief From Muscle Cramps :
This benefit is due to glycyrrhizin's ability to work like a muscle relaxant when taken orally or applied topically as a cream or ointment
Conclusion :
Liquorice has been a popular sweet treat for centuries. A sweet, spongy candy with a salty, licorice flavor, it’s often enjoyed as a nostalgic treat. But did you know that liquorice may have some pretty impressive health benefits?
Liquorice is a great source of antioxidants and has been known to help maintain healthy cholesterol levels. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe the stomach and combat heartburn. And best of all, it’s naturally sweetened with sugar, meaning it won’t contribute to tooth decay.
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