Is salty licorice healthy or unhealthy?

Answer 1

Salty licorice is said to be an acquired taste, but is commonly eaten with no problems. It is popular in Finland, Scandinavia, and the Netherlands. It is not the typical sodium chloride (table salt) that salty licorice is made from, but ammonium chloride. Because of the popularity of salty licorice in certain European regions, Dutch health organizations have put out recommendations. They say to not eat more than 100 to 150 grams (3.5 to 5 ounces) in a day.

The problem itself actually specific to salty licorice, but to licorice in general. The American FDA advised that as little as 2 ounces per day each day for 2 weeks can be enough to cause a serious issue.

Licorice is unhealthy, and potentially deadly. Licorice causes you to lose potassium. Salty licorice adds sodium. It is not the sugar that may be fatal. The combination loss of hypokalemia (loss of potassium) and hypernacemia (too much sodium) can lead to an imbalance in electrolytes, causing death.

In (an old) movie, an actor was required to eat a shoe. They made a 'shoe' made of licorice. This was not salted licorice. The actor almost died from eating the licorice "shoe."

The lethal dose will vary depending on the age and weight of the person and the health of the person (and also the medications that are taken). It is recommended that pregnant women avoid licorice.