Is Liquorice Good For You?

There's something wonderfully nostalgic about liquorice, that distinctive sweet yet slightly medicinal flavour that divides sweet lovers into passionate camps. Whether you're reaching for a chewy liquorice wheel or enjoying classic allsorts from our traditional sweets collection, you've probably wondered about the health effects of this ancient treat. Let's explore the fascinating world of liquorice and discover what this centuries-old confection can do for your well-being.

The Ancient Root Behind Your Favourite Sweet

Liquorice comes from the root of the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant, which has been treasured for thousands of years across Egypt, Greece, and Asia. The ancient Egyptians even made sweet drinks from liquorice root for their pharaohs! Today, this remarkable plant continues to captivate us, not just as a beloved sweet but as a natural remedy with genuine health benefits.

What makes liquorice special is glycyrrhizin, a compound that's 50 times sweeter than sugar and packed with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. However, here's an interesting twist: many liquorice-flavoured sweets you find in shops, including some chewy sweet varieties, actually use anise oil for flavouring rather than real liquorice root extract.

Your Digestive System's Sweet Friend

One of liquorice's most celebrated benefits is its positive effect on digestive health. If you've ever experienced an upset stomach, acid reflux, or heartburn, liquorice might offer some natural relief. The root extract helps increase mucus production in your stomach, creating a protective coating that soothes irritation and promotes healing.

Research has shown that taking liquorice root extract can significantly improve symptoms of indigestion. It works by suppressing gastrin production, the hormone responsible for stomach acid, which helps prevent ulcer formation and eases digestive discomfort. Many people find that enjoying liquorice tea provides dual benefits: the warmth physically soothes, while the natural compounds support digestive wellness. This traditional remedy has been passed down through generations, much like the recipes for our favourite British sweets.

Nature's Antibacterial Powerhouse

Liquorice isn't just sweet, it's surprisingly bright when it comes to fighting bacteria and viruses. The licoricidin compound found in liquorice root has demonstrated impressive antibacterial properties that could benefit your oral health. Some studies suggest liquorice extract might help prevent cavities by combating harmful bacteria in your mouth.

This antimicrobial action extends beyond oral health. Research indicates liquorice can help fight various microbes, including common troublemakers like Staphylococcus and Streptococcus, as well as viruses. When you're battling a sore throat, traditional liquorice root tea might provide more than just comfort; it could actively help fight the infection causing your discomfort. It's no wonder liquorice has earned its place alongside other sugar-free sweets as a better choice for dental health.

Surprising Benefits

Health Benefit	How Liquorice Helps	Best Form to Try
Digestive Issues	Increases protective stomach mucus, reduces acid production	Liquorice tea or DGL supplements
Sore Throat	Antibacterial properties combat infection, soothe irritation	Traditional liquorice root tea
Oral Health	Fights cavity-causing bacteria	Sugar-free liquorice extract products
Weight Management	May help reduce body fat (limited studies)	Controlled portions of real liquorice
Respiratory Support	Traditional remedy for coughs and bronchitis	Liquorice root preparations

The Sweet Spot Between Benefit and Caution

While liquorice offers genuine health benefits, it's crucial to understand that moderation is key. The very compound that makes liquorice beneficial, glycyrrhizin, can cause problems when consumed in large amounts. Eating too much liquorice can lower your body's potassium levels, potentially leading to high blood pressure, irregular heart rhythms, and muscle weakness.

Health experts recommend limiting glycyrrhizic acid intake to no more than 100mg daily. For perspective, this means enjoying liquorice as an occasional treat rather than a daily indulgence. If you're over 40, have heart problems, high blood pressure, or take certain medications, you should be particularly mindful of your liquorice consumption. This is especially important to remember when browsing through tempting pick and mix sweets selections, where it's easy to overindulge.

Real Liquorice Versus Liquorice-Flavoured Sweets

Here's something that might surprise you: not all retro sweets marketed as liquorice contain real liquorice root! Many popular liquorice-flavoured confections, particularly in America, use anise oil to achieve that familiar taste. While these sweets won't carry the same health risks as genuine liquorice, they also won't provide the potential benefits.

When shopping for liquorice products in our online sweet shop, check the ingredients carefully. Real liquorice will list liquorice root extract or glycyrrhizin. Products labelled as "liquorice flavoured" often contain artificial flavourings instead. For those seeking health benefits, choosing products with genuine liquorice extract makes all the difference. You'll find authentic options in our liquorice mix range, which contains traditional preparations.

Making Smart Choices with Liquorice

If you're interested in exploring liquorice's health benefits while avoiding potential risks, consider these practical approaches:

For Digestive Support: Try liquorice tea after meals, limiting yourself to one cup daily. Many people find this provides gentle relief without overdoing the glycyrrhizin intake.

For Sore Throats: Keep some traditional liquorice root tea on hand for when you feel that telltale tickle. The warmth, combined with antibacterial properties, offers natural comfort.

For Sweet Cravings: Enjoy liquorice sweets in moderation, perhaps a few pieces weekly rather than daily. Mix it up with other treats from our jelly sweets collection to satisfy your sweet tooth without overconsuming liquorice.

For Supplement Users: Look for DGL (deglycyrrhizinated liquorice) supplements, which have had the glycyrrhizin removed. These provide many benefits without the blood pressure concerns.

Special Considerations for Liquorice Lovers

Certain groups should exercise extra caution with liquorice consumption:

Who Should Be Cautious	Why	Safe Alternatives
Pregnant women	Studies link high consumption to developmental risks	Anise-flavoured sweets or fruit-flavoured sweets
People over 40	Increased sensitivity to glycyrrhizin effects	Limited portions, DGL supplements
Heart patients	Risk of potassium depletion and rhythm problems	Consult a doctor first
Those on blood pressure medication	Potential dangerous interactions	Avoid or use DGL only
Anyone taking diuretics	Increases potassium loss	Choose other treats from our boiled sweets

Popular Liquorice Products and Their Benefits

Different forms of liquorice offer varying benefits and experiences. Our liquorice allsorts combine liquorice with fondant and coconut, creating a more diluted liquorice experience that's perfect for those who want to enjoy the flavour without consuming too much pure liquorice. Meanwhile, liquorice toffees offer a more concentrated experience for true liquorice enthusiasts.

For those interested in the purest form, traditional liquorice roots provide the most authentic experience and potential health benefits. These natural sticks can be chewed directly or used to make therapeutic teas. They're particularly popular among those seeking the digestive and throat-soothing benefits of liquorice without added sugars or artificial ingredients.

The Verdict on Liquorice

So, is liquorice good for you? The answer is a qualified yes when enjoyed mindfully. This ancient root offers genuine health benefits, from soothing digestive troubles to fighting harmful bacteria. However, like many good things in life, the key lies in moderation.

Think of liquorice as a special treat rather than an everyday indulgence. When you do enjoy it, savour the complex flavour and appreciate the thousands of years of history in each bite. Whether you prefer traditional black liquorice or colourful allsorts from our extensive gift range or the classic pick and mix varieties, understanding both the benefits and risks helps you make informed choices about this fascinating confection.

Ready to explore the wonderful world of liquorice? Browse our carefully curated selection of traditional and modern liquorice treats. From classic wheels to innovative flavour combinations, we've got something for every liquorice lover, all enjoyed best in delicious moderation!