On October 31, 2017 the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said that there was an increase of danger in consumption of black licorice. Many should know the effects of black licorice on many young adults, adults, and senior citizens. Black licorice is a shrub used in Greece,Turkey, and much of Asia as a medicine, but in the United States it’s candy. According to the National Institute of Health, (NHI) it has been used as a treatment for heartburn, stomach ulcers, bronchitis, sore throat, coughs, and some infections caused by viruses. Many medical institutions have agreed that there isn’t enough data to conclude that it heals any medical issues. Licorice root that is sold as a dietary supplement can apparently cause heart problems.
On a positive note the awful taste many say black licorice has will guarantee your safety. Why do so many say black licorice is terrible? Sophomore Ashanti Bunns said, “Black licorice is absolutely disgusting and should have more of a flavor or filling.” When we use our senses of taste and smell to detect flavor. Sophomore Bene’t Cox said, “licorice smells bad and doesn’t look pleasant to eat. ”When biting into a piece of licorice, we taste the natural sweetener within the root. This gives a lingering taste that makes the nose crinkle and the foul smell can keep many healthy by keeping people away from this potentially dangerous “candy.”
Black licorice contains a sweetening compound by the name of Glycyrrhizin. This ingredient decreases potassium levels which causes abnormal heart rhythms, high blood pressure, and leading heart failures. At any age eating more than two ounces of licorice at a time can land someone in a hospital. In many cases, doctors have linked many medical problems to black licorice. Black licorice is unhealthy and full of sugar. According to the FDA, last year was a, “Black licorice outbreak,” after a 40 year old women ate more than two ounces of black licorice and ended up in a hospital. The FDA is in a current investigation of dooming effects of black licorice.