Be Wary of Licorice in Snacks for High Blood Pressure
Introduction: Licorice mainly contains glycyrrhizin, which can be hydrolyzed into glycyrrhetinic acid. The chemical structure and effects of glycyrrhetinic acid are similar to those of adrenal cortex hormones, which can raise blood pressure. Therefore, although licorice is relatively safe, long-term abuse can lead to increased blood pressure, systemic edema, and other symptoms.
In real life, snack foods are everywhere, but many snacks contain the Chinese herbal medicine licorice, such as plums, dried tangerine peels, and olives. For healthy people, eating these is not a problem. However, patients with high blood pressure should be cautious about consuming snacks containing licorice, as licorice has the effect of raising blood pressure. Why does licorice raise blood pressure? How much licorice would a patient with high blood pressure need to consume for it to be harmful to their health? Let's answer these questions one by one.
Licorice has a wide range of uses, but using it is not a case of "the more, the better." It has many "forbidden zones," and high blood pressure is one of them. According to new EU regulations on the labeling of foods containing licorice, if the glycyrrhizin content in beverages exceeds the standard, the words "contains licorice" should be added after the ingredient list; if the glycyrrhizin or ammonium salt content in candy exceeds 4 grams per kilogram, a warning message "contains licorice—patients with high blood pressure should avoid excessive intake" should also be added after the ingredient list.
Why Chinese Herbal Licorice Raises Blood Pressure
Modern medical research shows that licorice mainly contains glycyrrhizin, which can be hydrolyzed into glycyrrhetinic acid. The chemical structure and effects of glycyrrhetinic acid are similar to those of adrenal cortex hormones, which can raise blood pressure. Therefore, although licorice is relatively safe, long-term abuse can lead to increased blood pressure, systemic edema, and other symptoms, thereby increasing the burden on the heart and blood vessels.
The Amount of Licorice Consumed Should Not Be Too Large
"All medicines have some toxicity," and licorice is no exception, though its toxicity is considered 'mild.' The single dose should not be too large. Although China is not bound by EU regulations, the potential dangers of licorice should not be taken lightly. The continuous use of licorice should not exceed 3 months; a single dose should not exceed 10 grams; patients with high blood pressure or middle-aged and elderly individuals should use licorice preparations with caution. While taking licorice, if symptoms such as edema, fatigue, or dizziness occur, one should seek medical attention immediately.