Licorice Nutrition

Generally, nutrition is the scientific study of food, its vitamins, necessary food for body, introducing healthy food, the effects of food on body and health.

Glycyrrhizin is the main component of licorice. The sweetness in licorice is because of this substance. Licorice is 30-50 times sweeter than sugar.

There are 20 triterpenoids and nearly 300 flavonoids in licorice. Triterpenoids are natural glycosides. Flavonoids have anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer features. Moreover, they regulate the functions of cellular enzymes.

Minerals such as phosphorus, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium and etc. are found in this plant.

Licorice has some positive effects on our body. It reduces acid reflux and treats indigestion, heartburn, upset stomach, inflammation, peptic ulcers. Because of its anti-inflammatory and anti-viral features, it is useful in treatment of respiratory ailments such as asthma, bronchitis, cough, sore throat. Furthermore, it keeps dental and oral health and prevents tooth cavity.

Licorice is used in making teas, herbal drinks, beverages and alcoholic drinks. In candies, chocolate, pastilles, cakes and bread, ice cream, chewing gum and confectionery, licorice is also used. It is considered a natural flavoring and sweetener. it is consumed as a spice in various kinds of food. You can put it in dry food like sugar and coffee to give them a pleasant flavor.

According to USDA, 14g of licorice candy contains:

• No protein
• No fiber
• No fat
• 8 sugar
• 53 calories
• 7 mg sodium
• 13 g carbohydrate

Another study on licorice components showed that licorice:

Per 184g licorice has 683 calories. It contains IU vitamin A, 0.24 mg iron, 5.46g calcium, 67 mg potassium.