No, this isn’t Woodstock. “Hey maaan, don’t take the black licorice. Its gone bad maaan.” And yes, that warning is real. Not because black licorice is gross. It is and so it Jagermeister. Nope, the FDA issued a warning because of glycyrrhizin. As the video below explains, the substance in black licorice named glycyrrhizin may result in a decrease in potassium levels in your body. Drops in potassium levels can lead to abnormal heart rhythms, high blood pressure, muscle weakness, swelling, and even heart failure. The risk is particularly higher if you are over 40 years old and eat more than 2 ounces of black licorice a day for at least two weeks, as indicated by the United Kingdom’s National Health Service. Of course this does not mean if you are 39 years and 364 days old you are in the clear. Eating large amounts of black licorice may be risky for younger folks as well. Plus…again its gross. Stick to the red licorice. Like the commercials say, it makes your mouth happy!
Happy Halloween!
