Yes, You Can Overdose With Black Licorice.
There is balance in the universe. Most people hate black licorice, so when they get some in their gift or treat bags, or when they find black gummies among their Easter spoils, they can pass them on to their grandfathers and other cranks who really enjoy the product. But these eccentrics should be careful.
Full disclosure, I’m one of the weirdos. I always hated black licorice until I stopped one day. If I buy an eight ounce bag of Trader Joe soft black licorice, I have to take the step – just a few a day – the way some people do with chocolate. Invite me to your Halloween parties. I’ll take your licorice, and I’ll take my Hershey bars for you.
But eating a lot of licorice must have some drawbacks, and the FDA has confirmed that getting enough glycyrrhizin (a delicious ingredient) can lower potassium levels in the body, sometimes leading to “irregular heartbeats, as well as high blood pressure and edema. (edema), lethargy and congestive heart failure. ” Only people over 40 seem to be at risk.
How much licorice is too much?
First, check if you are actually eating real licorice. If your candy is seasoned with anise oil, you are clean. If it contains real licorice root (fun fact: licorice is a plant ), keep reading.
The UK’s National Health Service writes that consuming “more than 57 grams (2 ounces) of black liquorice per day for at least 2 weeks could lead to potentially serious health problems.” (Another fun fact: it says with Q.)
So if you eat black licorice in your family and you are in your 40s, consider rationing your catch so you don’t eat tons of licorice for several weeks. Although I really want to.