(NaturalNews) Licorice is a favorite snack food for many people. Due to its sweet flavor and chewy consistency, it is the snack of choice for people of all ages. This candy, however, is not the only form of licorice and the chemicals and added sugars rule cancel out any health benefits. Licorice has been used for medicinal purposes for a number of years. For this purpose, licorice comes in both tablet and capsule forms. Additionally, there are licorice teas that can be enjoyed.

Even though licorice is sweeter than sugar by fifty times, it contains significantly fewer calories than the refined kind. This makes licorice the ideal snack for someone who wants to satisfy their sweet tooth without consuming a lot of extra calories. In addition, there are modern day benefits to licorice.

Could help clear up the skin

For those people who have acne, increasing their consumption of products that contain licorice could be helpful. Korean research has recently shown promising results of an ointment containing licorice and applied to the face. Scars and spots from acne have been reduced as well as the itching associated with eczema and psoriasis.

Might help with weight loss

Even though studies that are targeted for this benefit are still in their early stages, the preliminary feedback is promising. Licorice contains a flavonoid oil that might help reduce the amount of body fat that a person has.

Could help regulate hormones

As women age, their hormone levels begin to fluctuate. This can result in a range of symptoms including hot flashes, depression, weight gain and more. Recent research has shown, however, that women can find relief from hot flashes by about 80 percent when they consume licorice. This is because there is a compound in licorice that mimics estrogen, helping to reduce symptoms.

May help provide relief from ulcers

Those people who suffer from stomach ulcers, often caused by the stresses of modern living, could find relief by ingesting licorice. If an individual is feeling stressed, a good way to help reduce the stomach acid that often forms is by relaxing with a hot cup of licorice tea.

Can help stop cold sore formation

Cold sores, caused by the herpes virus, can cause a great deal of social stigma for those who suffer from them. There is research, however, that shows that licorice can help reduce their severity. Licorice contains compounds that help increase the production of protein that is released by the body in response to viruses and other types of pathogens.

Licorice has many relaxing and medicinal benefits that make it a vital part of any pantry. While there are a variety of candies available that have licorice in them, tea, tablets and capsules provide better methods that people can utilize to enjoy the benefits of licorice.

Sources for this article include:

http://health.allwomenstalk.com

http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-licorice-root.html

http://www.naturalalternativeremedy.com

About the author:
Sandeep has written many health field articles for both Internet and print publication. He currently writing for insurancetips4u.co.

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