Health Benefits of Eating Licorice Root
Licorice root has many health advantages. It is a good
anti-inflammatory and excellent antimicrobial. It helps to combat
many ailments or diseases caused by bacteria, viruses and fungi as
well as to strengthen your immune system. Moreover, it contributes
to weight loss and at the same time, take care of your fitness.
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A Wonderful ExpectorantLicorice is enriched with a compound known as glycyrrhizin. One of
the health properties of glycyrrhizin is its function as an
expectorant, which helps eliminating phlegm from the respiratory
system and to relieve cough.
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Heal Peptic UlcersResearch has found that deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) has
therapeutic effects on stomach ulcers. In a laboratory study,
patients were given licorice root extract to treat their stomach
ulcers. After six weeks, 90% of them have shown improvement in their
conditions and 22% were cured completely. However, some clinical
tests have denied the claim.
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Enhance Immune SystemAnother health effect of licorice root is its ability to boost
interferon levels. The useful compound is a powerful antiviral. Some
laboratory tests even showed it helps get rid of herpes simplex
virus.
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Aid in Weight LossAn important health fact of licorice had been found in a study that
glycyrrhetinic acid contained in the root effectively reduced the
fat on human’s thigh. Another significant finding was people who
consumed 900 mg of flavonoid oil produced from licorice daily showed
reduction in fat, weight, BMI and bad cholesterol after 8 weeks.
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Promote DigestionA special drink formula prepared using licorice, chamomile and
peppermint is believed to contain medicinal properties, which
function as a remedy for indigestion.
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Solution for FatigueMerits of licorice are also associated with its capability of
stimulating adrenal hormones including cortisol. Existence of
cortisol helps fight chronic fatigue and assist your body recovers.
It makes you feel better.
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Other Health Purpose of Using LicoriceLicorice gel provides protection to your skin. It helps alleviate
swelling and itching.
Overview and Facts about Licorice
 Licorice (scientific name Glycyrrhza glabra) is a perennial plant
that is cultivated for its taproot. It is found mainly in Asia as
well as Central and Southern Europe. Other names of licorice include
liquorice and sweetroot. Licorice has nearly the same flavor as
anise, and that is why aniseed oil is usually used in licorice candy
making. In North America, the words black licorice is used to
indicate confectionery that are flavored by licorice extract.
The licorice plant usually grows to 90-210 cm tall, and its taproot
can grow deep until 120 cm. It contains white and purple flowers
with maroon pods.
Licorice is added in candy and aperitif making as well as brewing.
It is also sometimes added to prepare milkshakes and five-spice
powder.
Licorice Nutrition Facts and Calories
|
Nutritional
Information of
1 Stick Licorice |
| Calories |
41 kcal |
| Total Fat |
0 g |
| Cholesterol |
0 mg
|
| Sodium |
6 mg |
| Total
Carbohydrates |
10 g |
| Dietary Fiber |
0 g |
| Sugars |
8 g |
| Protein |
0
g |
Licorice Recipe
Licorice Root Tea Recipe
Ingredients:
- 240 ml dry licorice root, chopped
- 120 ml cinnamon chips
- 120 ml dried orange rind
- 30 ml cloves
- 120 ml chamomile
Preparation:
Mix all the ingredients and store in a jar. In a saucepan, combine
45 ml of the mixture with 600 ml water. Bring to a boil and
subsequently simmer on the low heat for about 10 minutes. Strain
through a sieve and serve warm.
Licorice Side Effects
Excessive or long-term intake of licorice may increase the risk of
low potassium in the body (due to laxative effect), high blood
pressure, weakness, tiredness, paralysis, headache, missing
menstrual period, lower sex drive and impotency. It is not
recommended for consumption by pregnant women.
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