Licorice root, thanks to its sweet taste, is known for its use as a sweetener in beverages and other sweets. However, this root has been used for centuries for its medicinal benefits. It also turns out to be an effective remedy to help satisfy hunger and contributes to the fight against being overweight. Read on to learn more about this powerful root.
Licorice benefits
In addition to being a root that contains in its interior all the power of the plant and can help us to satisfy hunger, being part of a diet to avoid overeating and combat being overweight, this root also has other benefits for the body that we will mention below.
Relieves stomach pain
Licorice root has been used to alleviate gastrointestinal problems. In cases of food poisoning, stomach ulcers and heartburn, the extract of this powerful root can accelerate the repair of the stomach lining and restore balance. Those who suffer from gastritis, heartburn and peptic ulcer improve their symptoms with the consumption of licorice.
Clean your respiratory system
Licorice is also recommended to treat respiratory problems. Taking licorice as an oral supplement can help to expel phlegm. The production of phlegm can help us clean the lungs and keep the respiratory system clearer in the long term.
Reduce stress
Over time, stress can leave the adrenal gland drained from the constant work of adrenaline and cortisol production. The adrenal gland can be stimulated and balanced by licorice root extract, which promotes a healthy level of cortisol in the body.
Teeth and skin
Topical gels including licorice are recommended for treating eczema. This root is often used as a very successful dermatological treatment due to its antibacterial properties. Holistic health professionals often suggest applying licorice treatment to the decay site to kill bacteria.
Fight overweight
Due to the diuretic properties that this powerful root has, it is considered an ideal alternative to help us fight overweight. Licorice can help you stimulate digestion, and it also acts as a very effective natural diuretic, in this way you can fight against fluid retention in the body, which is often part of overweight disorders.
Its properties also facilitate the elimination of toxins through the feces, since it also has laxative effects, and if we can maintain a less overloaded intestine, it will be easier to lose weight. It can also act as a powerful anti-inflammatory, helping to reduce inflammation in the abdominal area, thereby helping to reduce a bulging belly.
How can we consume this root?
There are several ways to obtain the benefits of licorice for our health, here are some of them.
Liquid extract
Licorice extract is its most common and most widely used form. Used as a natural sweetener in sweets and beverages, the consumption of licorice extract should not exceed 30 mg / ml. Eating more could lead to unwanted side effects, as the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned.
Dust
Licorice powder can be purchased at health food stores and specialty stores online. It can be combined with a gel base to create a topical ointment that helps treat the skin. In its powder form, licorice is especially helpful in treating eczema and acne. The powder can also be ingested orally. Always remember that the recommended dose of this root is less than 75 mg / day, according to the WHO guidelines.
Infusions and teas
The leaves of the licorice plant, dried and crushed, have become a popular herbal tea. These infusions can be purchased in supermarkets and herbalists. They are used to promote digestive function, treat respiratory problems, and promote adrenal gland health. When you see herbal teas that are cited as aids for „bronchial wellness“ and „cleansing and detoxification,“ they generally contain forms of licorice. It is not recommended that individuals ingest more than 8 ounces of licorice tea daily.
Preparing a licorice infusion to satisfy hunger
Thanks to the active ingredient present in this root, called glycyrrhizin, we can deal with a large number of problems, including overweight and hunger, glycyrrhizin can contribute to the reduction of body fat and also appetite. For its consumption these two simple options are mentioned:
Ingredients :
- Licorice powder, 4 to 5 teaspoons
- 1 liter of water
This infusion is prepared like any other, first we will need to have the liter of boiled water, and later the tablespoons of licorice are added, we let it infuse for about 10 to 15 minutes so that all its properties are released and we will have our tea ready. Do not exceed your consumption, you can start with one cup a day, and not exceed 2 cups a day.
Another alternative to satisfy your hunger and without adding calories, and also to make your cravings for empty calorie meals go away, is the consumption of a sprig of licorice, always keep in mind that you should not consume more than 75 mg a day, than Otherwise it can have negative effects on the body.
Possible side effects
Too much Licorice Root Extract can lead to low potassium levels in the body, which causes muscle weakness. This condition is called hypokalemia. In studies where subjects ingested too much licorice root in a two-week period, metabolism and fluid retention abnormalities occurred. So, you must be careful with its excessive consumption.
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding are advised by the FDA to avoid licorice in all its forms. People with hypertension should also avoid the use of this root.
