The Benefits of Low Carb Licorice
Licorice is a sweet tasting root that has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. However, traditional licorice is very high in carbohydrates and sugar. This can make it difficult for people on low carb or ketogenic diets to enjoy. Luckily, there are now options for low carb licorice that allow you to reap the benefits of licorice without the extra carbs.
What is Licorice?
Licorice comes from the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant, a shrub native to southern Europe and parts of Asia. The root has a distinctive sweet flavor and has been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments. Licorice contains a compound called glycyrrhizin which is where that sweet taste comes from. It can be up to 50% sweeter than sugar.
The problem is that traditional licorice also contains a high amount of carbohydrates and sugar. A 1 ounce serving can have as much as 22 grams of carbs. For people following low carb diets or who have blood sugar issues, this makes it difficult to eat licorice. Luckily new low carb options are now available.
Choosing Low Carb Licorice
There are a few different ways licorice can be made low carb. Some options include:
- Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) - This process removes glycyrrhizin compound to improve safety
- Licorice powder supplements - Concentrated in powder form
- Licorice liquid extracts - Extracts the beneficial compounds
While these low carb options will not provide the classic taste of licorice, they will allow you to gain the many potential benefits licorice has to offer.
Benefits of Low Carb Licorice
Low carb licorice provides an array of health benefits including:
- Supports healthy digestion - Soothes digestive issues like GERD and ulcers
- Eases sore throat pain - Long used for soothing sore throats
- Boosts immunity - Contains antiviral and antimicrobial properties
- Increases energy - Shown to increase energy and reduce fatigue
- Supports skin health - Antioxidant properties help protect skin
- Helps control blood sugar - Contains compounds shown to aid in blood sugar management
The ability to get these health benefits while avoiding the high carb load makes low carb licorice options an appealing choice for many people.
Tips for Using Low Carb Licorice
Here are some easy tips for using low carb licorice:
- Look for DGL licorice tablets or chewable varieties for easy use
- Try licorice liquid extracts added to tea or another low carb beverage
- Use licorice powder supplements in moderation due to stronger potency
- Discuss with your doctor before use if you have high blood pressure or low potassium
- Be aware of medication interactions including diuretics, insulin, corticosteroids, etc
Always drink plenty of water when using licorice supplements to stay hydrated. Start slow when first using to assess tolerance.
Recipes Using Low Carb Licorice
While you won't get the classic licorice taste, there are recipes that utilize low carb licorice:
Licorice Tea
Give tea a unique flavor by steeping low carb licorice root or licorice tea bags. Sweeten with your favorite low carb sweetener if desired.
Licorice Supplement Smoothies
Mix licorice powder or extract into low carb smoothies. This allows you to gain the benefits of licorice in a tasty low carb treat.
Homemade Low Carb Candy with Licorice
Make low carb licorice allsorts using licorice extract mixed with gelatin and your choice of sweetener. Pour into a candy mold to set and enjoy a low carb candy that offers the health benefits of licorice.
There are many possibilities for using Allowing you to gain the advantages of licorice without excess carbohydrates makes low carb licorice a fantastic choice.
Is Low Carb Licorice Right for You?
Low carb licorice is a smart choice for a number of people including:
- Those following low carb and keto diets
- Individuals with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes
- People working to lose weight or control obesity
- Anyone with digestive complaints like acid reflux, nausea, or stomach ulcers
- Those struggling with a sore throat or respiratory illness
- People combating fatigue or needing an immune boost
Always check with your doctor before starting use of licorice supplements, especially with pre-existing health conditions or medications.
Is There Anyone Who Should Avoid Low Carb Licorice?
There are a few groups people who should use caution or avoid low carb licorice:
- Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding
- People with heart disease, liver disease, kidney disease, or hormone-sensitive cancers
- Individuals taking digoxin, diuretic, or corticosteroid medications
- Anyone with a potassium deficiency
- People with high blood pressure
- Those with an allergy or sensitivity to licorice
It's always best to discuss licorice supplements with your physician if you have any ongoing health conditions or take prescription medications.
The Takeaway
Low carb licorice provides a way to enjoy the multitude of potential health benefits that licorice offers without the high carbohydrate cost. By removing glycyrrhizin, concentrating it into supplements, or extracting key compounds, low carb licorice makes it possible to experience benefits like increased energy, improved digestive health, sore throat relief, blood sugar support, and more.
Low carb licorice is an excellent addition for keto diet, diabetic diet, or anyone working to improve their health. Just be sure to consult your healthcare provider if you have pre-existing health conditions or take medications prior to use.
So in summary, low carb licorice:- Allows the enjoyment of licorice benefits without excess carbs
- Provides key advantages like increased energy, improved digestion, sore throat relief, and blood sugar support
- Can be used in recipes like low carb candy, smoothies, and tea
- Is a smart choice for low carb, keto, diabetic, or weight loss diets
- Should be used cautiously if you have specific health conditions or take certain medications
FAQs
What are the benefits of low carb licorice?
Low carb licorice provides benefits such as increased energy, improved digestion, sore throat relief, blood sugar support, skin health, and immunity support while avoiding the high carb content of traditional licorice.
Is deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) actually low carb?
Yes. The process of removing the glycyrrhizin compound to create DGL licorice also removes sugars and other carbs. This leaves behind the beneficial plant compounds and greatly reduces carb content.
What if I want real licorice taste in low carb recipes?
Look for licorice extract to use in beverages, baking, and candy recipes. The extract will provide some authentic licorice flavor along with the associated health benefits.
Can I take licorice supplements if I have high blood pressure?
It's best to avoid licorice supplements if you have uncontrolled high blood pressure or low potassium levels. Check with your doctor before taking licorice capsules or extracts if you have these conditions.
Is licorice safe for diabetes?
Studies show licorice may aid in blood sugar control and support diabetes management. However, the safety around licorice and diabetes drug interactions is unclear, so discuss use with your doctor first if you have diabetes and take medications.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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