Got Leftover Black Licorice From Halloween? Don’t Eat Them All At Once

Days before kids were going to begin knocking on doorsteps and filling their baskets with all kinds of candy on Halloween 2017, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a report, warning people of all ages not to eat too much black licorice.

Even though black licorice is an old favorite among kids and adults alike, eating more than a couple of ounces of the candy, especially for people over the age of 40, might land an irregular heart rhythm or arrhythmia. Apart from that, some may even experience symptoms such as high blood pressure, edema (swelling), lethargy, and congestive heart failure, the report mentioned.

So why are such health risks linked to the consumption of black licorice? Apparently, the specific licorice contains glycyrrhizin, a sweetening compound derived from licorice root, which can specifically target potassium levels in the body and cause it decrease. However, if one's potassium level drops after over-eating licorice, no additional medication is required to treat the condition. Once a person stops the intake of black licorice, the potassium level is supposed to go back to normal on its own.

Furthermore, people who have a long history of health problems and/or high blood pressure are supposed to more susceptible to the negative effects of black licorice than people with a perfect health record. Nevertheless, regardless of the age group who are at high risk, the FDA has given the following warning for everyone who loves binging on black licorice.

"No matter what your age, don’t eat large amounts of black licorice at one time," FDA’s report stated. "If you have been eating a lot of black licorice and have an irregular heart rhythm or muscle weakness, stop eating it immediately and contact your healthcare provider. Black licorice can interact with some medications, herbs and dietary supplements. Consult a health care professional if you have questions about possible interactions with a drug or supplement you take."

Licorice is mostly derived from a low-growing shrub found in Greece, Turkey, and Asia. The shrub in question is commercially grown and has been used to treat diseases such as heartburn, stomach ulcers, bronchitis, sore throat, cough and some infections caused by viruses, such as hepatitis, from ancient times. Even though the benefits of licorice are recorded in the history of folk remedy, National Institutes of Health (NIH) has stated that there is no evidence to support the fact that black licorice is effective in treating medical problems.

Licorice candies can only hurt you if they contain black licorice. Many of the "licorices" or licorice-flavored candies that land in your Halloween basket, might not contain any licorice, NIH stated. Instead they might be anise oil, which has the same smell and taste. Feasting on these kinds of treats would not give one any health problems, except maybe a sugar high.

The report also recounts cases of licorice-aficionados suffering from health problems after they had indulged in black licorice heavily. According to IFL Science, in 2004, a British woman was admitted to hospital after she consumed clack licorice on a regular basis to ease her constipation.