Citation
(2009), "Health booster treat", Nutrition & Food Science, Vol. 39 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/nfs.2009.01739cab.014
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2009, Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Health booster treat
Article Type: Food facts From: Nutrition & Food Science, Volume 39, Issue 3.
Often described as an elixir of life, licorice has been used for centuries, even millennia, for its nutritive and rejuvenating properties and it is, still today, one of the most universally consumed herbs.
In Chinese herbalism licorice has been used to regulate, strengthen and invigorate the whole body just as well as early records show that Roman legions used licorice during their gruelling campaigns for its energetic properties and ability to build stamina. Since this plant contains a unique substance called glycyrrhizin which is 50 times sweeter than refined sugar, it has also been widely used by diabetics and people wanting to lose weight for sweetening and flavouring drinks and puddings. During World War II, when food and sugar were rationed, licorice was frequently the only sweet treat available in Europe.
Futhermore, if you or your kids have a sweet tooth eating licorice may help keep your teeth healthy. According to Israeli scientists, licorice root could help reduce plaque, which causes tooth decay, by reducing cavity-causing bacteria in the mouth. Studies have shown that an extract from the root of the licorice plant that is used to make licorice candy contains at least two compounds that appear to be potent inhibitors of the Streptococcus mutans bacteria, a major cause of dental caries.
Parents know how good oral health is inseparably linked to overall health, so it is only natural that they worry when treating their children to some sweeties that they could be contributing to their offsprings tooth decay. Three BearsTM Traditional Soft Licorice, suitable for vegetarians and vegans, contains real licorice extract, pineapple juice and natural colours and flavours in fact, all the ingredients are natural, with no nasty E numbers (even the small amount of vegetable fat it contains is non-hydrogenated). Its smooth and rich taste comes from its 100 per cent natural ingredients.
For more information see www.threebearslicorice.com