There are many such trees and plants found in India, which are rich in various types of medicinal properties. Such trees and plants can often be seen around us or in distant mountainous areas. They have been using for a long time as home remedies for health. One such plant is liquorice, which can benefit people’s health in many ways. Let’s see licorice benefits
What is Licorice
Liquorice is a woody food item. It is the stem of a bushy plant of liquorice. After it is cut, it is dried, after which it can be use in powdered form or chopped into small pieces. Liquorice is called Licorice in the English language. Its scientific name is Glycyrrhiza glabra. It tastes sweet when chewed. The special thing is that nowadays it is also use in many kinds of toothpaste.
Licorice Benefits
The liquorice benefits are being explained in detail below.
1. Healthy for the Gastrointestinal
Gastrointestinal health is an important part of the human body associated with the digestive system. The benefits of liquorice can be seen in keeping it healthy. According to the report released by NCBI National Center for Biotechnology Information, liquorice has demulcent properties, which can help in reducing abdominal cramps, bloating and burning. Its consumption can be beneficial for gastrointestinal health. Liquorice can be helpful in reducing inflammation. Its consumption can be beneficial even in a condition like an ulcer.
Apart from this, consumption of liquorice can also play an important role in reducing the problem of nausea and ulcers along with protecting the stomach lining from excess acid. Liquorice root can also reduce the symptoms of GERD gastroesophageal reflux disease such as the problem of vomiting and acid reflux. Therefore, liquorice can be said to be beneficial for better gastrointestinal health.
3. Aids in Cancer Treatment
Consumption of liquorice can also help in reducing the risk of cancer. Liquorice has anti-carcinogen properties. Therefore, by consuming liquorice, the growth of cancer and the damage to DNA due to cancer can be prevented. According to another scientific study, the consumption of liquorice can also work to protect against prostate cancer. In this situation, you can chew liquorice with water and eat it. Here let us make it clear that if someone has cancer, then he should get a checkup done by a doctor, not relying only on home remedies.
4. In the treatment of diabetes
Liquorice can also be trust to avoid diabetes. According to an animal study published on the website of NCBI, the properties of liquorice can help protect against diabetes. Liquorice has anti-oxidant and hyperglycemic properties. Due to these properties, liquorice can help in protecting against diabetes. At the same time, if someone has diabetes, then liquorice can work to reduce its symptoms. Studies have found that consuming liquorice extract can reduce blood glucose levels, which may help in the treatment of diabetes.
5. Licorice Benefits For Weight Loss
The use of liquorice includes reducing belly fat as well as reducing weight. Research has been publish in this regard on the site of NCBI. According to these research papers, using liquorice powder or liquorice extract can help reduce weight to some extent.
Apart from this, in another research, it was found that the extract of liquorice root has antiobesity, that is, the effect of reducing obesity is found. This effect may be helpful in reducing obesity. For this, liquorice powder can be consume with water. However, one must consult a doctor before using it for weight loss.
7. Keeping Liver Healthy
Consumption of liquorice can also be beneficial to keep the liver healthy. Liquorice has a hepatoprotective effect that prevents liver damage, which may work to protect the liver from damage by increasing its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. According to a report released by NCBI, consuming liquorice in the form of an extract can help to avoid fatty liver Liver Steatosis. Ask a doctor about how to use it in relation to the liver.
8. Fight Inflammation
The benefits of liquorice can also be seen to cure any kind of inflammation in the body. According to a scientific report released by the National Cancer Institute, liquorice has anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, the problem of bloating can be reduced by consuming liquorice in powder form with water. If the swelling is severe, medical treatment may be resorted to.
In addition, research clearly states that a compound called liquiritigenin in liquorice has anti-inflammatory properties, which may help treat neuroinflammation associated with Alzheimer’s.
9. To increase immunity
If the immune system is better, then any kind of disease does not burst around. Consumption of liquorice can be beneficial to strengthen immunity. According to a study on animals, liquorice has antioxidant and immunity effect properties. Consuming it can help increase immunity in a positive way. It can be eaten by chewing it in small pieces in the morning, but before consuming it, please consult a doctor once.
Nutritious Ingredients of Licorice
Various types of nutrients are found in liquorice, which we are telling here through the table :
| NUTRIENTS | QUANTITY PER 100 GRAMS |
| Water | 6.3 g |
| Energy | 375 kcal |
| total lipids | 0.05 g |
| Carbohydrate | 93.55 g |
| fiber, total dietary | 0.2 g |
| Sugar | 70 g |
| Calcium | 3mg |
| Iron | 0.13 mg |
| Magnesium | 2 mg |
| Phosphorus | 4 mg |
| Potassium | 37 mg |
| Sodium | 50 mg |
| Zinc | 0.05 mg |
| Copper | 0.028 mg |
| Selenium | 1.1 μg |
| Thiamine | 0.004 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.011 mg |
| Niacin | 0.008 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.004 mg |
How to Use Licorice
Liquorice can be use as follows.
- Liquorice powder can be consumed by dissolving it with water.
- Mixing it with milk and consuming it can also have benefits of liquorice and milk.
- Soak the pieces of liquorice in water overnight and in the morning take it after extracting its juice by grinding it in the oak.
- After meals, liquorice powder and fennel powder can be use for drinking by dissolving it in water.
- Liquorice powder can be use to make a paste with lemon juice and apply on the skin.
- Liquorice powder can be use for drinking with milk.
When to use – Liquorice can be eaten at any time in the morning, evening and night. At the same time, it is necessary to take expert advice regarding applying to the skin.
How much to use – Use only a very small piece of it for eating. Nevertheless, for the information of the right amount of its consumption, once consult a dietician.
Side Effects of Licorice
After the benefits of eating liquorice, here we are telling about the side effects of it. Some of the disadvantages of eating liquorice can be as follows.
- Women should avoid consuming it during pregnancy or take it on the advice of a doctor.
- Liquorice contains glycyrrhizinic acid. For this reason, taking it along with some medicines can decrease the level of potassium in the body and can have adverse effects on the heart.
- If you consume liquorice in excess amount this can lead to high blood pressure.
- If any adverse symptoms are seen or felt during its consumption, stop its consumption and start consuming it again only after consulting a doctor.