Surely, many are familiar with popular Finnish sweets - licorice sweets. However, not everyone knows that the drug for cough "licorice root" has a direct connection with this delicacy, because they contain the same component - licorice. What it is? This is a perennial herbaceous plant of the bean genus, which in our country is better known as "licorice". It is actively used in medicine and cosmetology, and also added to food products, in particular sweets. Let's learn more about what this plant is valuable.
How is licorice useful?
Since ancient times, licorice has been used to treat various diseases, it was especially common in Tibetan medicine. All - thanks to the healing properties possessed by licorice. What are these properties? First of all, it is known as a sedative and anesthetic. It is actively used as a drug for cough, bronchitis and asthma, as well as in the following diseases: pneumonia, diseases of the liver, kidneys and stomach, anemia, paralysis, infections. It is used to neutralize wounds and bites of insects and poisonous animals.
The versatility of licorice
Of particular interest in medicine is the licorice root, which contains the substance glycyrrhizin. It is 150 times sweeter than regular sugar, and it is to him that the plant owes such healing properties as anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. What effect does this substance have on our body? Firstly, it increases the stability of the immune system. Secondly, it normalizes the acid-base balance. Thirdly, it positively affects the liver and stomach, promotes the secretion of gastric juice. And fourthly, very quickly satisfies hunger.
Doctors claim the licorice plant is one of the few natural universal remedies. It is able to treat the whole body: diseases of the lungs and gastrointestinal tract, immune and endocrine systems, help with infections and poisoning, and also help preserve youth and beauty (when used in cosmetics).
Licorice sweets - a popular Finnish treat
Recently, liquorice sweets have become popular. Sweets with this component appeared in the 18th century - in the English county of Yorkshire. Today they are better known as the Finnish national delicacy, which has become a kind of symbol of this country. Usually these are long tubes of shiny black or another color (if dyes and flavors have been used). The taste of licorice in sweets is moderately sweet, with a slight acidity. Sometimes with the aroma of berries or fruits. By consistency, they are dense, but not rigid, hardly stretch and slightly adhere to the teeth. If you try natural licorice, then it will be a rich (even vigorous) sweetness.
Why are liquorice sweets good?
This particular candy will not appeal to everyone. Some say about liquorice marmalade that it is a kind of pastille and even prune. Others feel only its medicinal aroma and cannot tolerate its taste.
As they say, to each his own. By the way, it’s good to take a bag of these sweets on the road, as they can relieve nausea, heartburn and prevent vomiting. But overeating licorice sweets is not worth it. This can lead to side effects in the form of edema and increased blood pressure. Therefore, always remember the measure. Given that these sweets are very satisfying, it will not be difficult to stop.