While black licorice certainly isn’t our favorite Halloween treat, some of you love the aromatic candy. In fact, we’d divide people into two groups – those who dislike black licorice and those who love it. If you happen to fall into the latter group, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a word of caution.
According to the FDA, there is a limit on how much black licorice you should consume. “If you’re 40 or older, eating two ounces of black licorice a day for at least two weeks could land you in the hospital with an irregular heart rhythm or arrhythmia.”
So, what about black licorice makes it potentially harmful? Glycyrrhizin. Glycyrrhizin is a natural sweetener that’s extracted from licorice root. This compound is about 50 times sweeter than sugar, in fact.
“FDA’s Linda Katz, M.D., says last year the agency received a report of a black licorice aficionado who had a problem after eating the candy. And several medical journals have linked black licorice to health problems in people over 40, some of whom had a history of heart disease and/or high blood pressure.”
The FDA offers some parting words of wisdom:
- No matter what your age is, don’t consume large amounts of black licorice in one sitting.
- If you’ve eaten a lot of black licorice and have an irregular heart rhythm or muscle weakness, stop eating it immediately and contact your health provider.
- Black licorice can interact with some medications, herbs and dietary supplements. Consult a healthcare professional if you have questions about possible interactions with a drug or supplement you take.
What about all the other Halloween candy – say, chocolate bars, sweet tarts, suckers and peanut butter cups? Moderation is a good idea with those, too.
When selecting candies this Halloween season, you may want to think twice before opening up a bag of black licorice. If you still choose to eat it, consume with caution and contact your primary care provider if you experience any uncomfortable symptoms. Use all the self-control you can muster with all candy and eat a few pieces at a time.
