Licorice is a root that has been used for medicinal and culinary purposes for centuries. It has a sweet flavor and is often used as a natural sweetener.

However, studies have shown that consumption of licorice during pregnancy can have both positive and negative effects on the health of the mother and the developing fetus.

Positive Effects of Licorice Consumption During Pregnancy

Research studies have shown that the consumption of licorice during pregnancy can have several positive effects on the health of the mother and the developing baby. These benefits include:.

Licorice Contains Antioxidants

Licorice root is rich in flavonoids and antioxidants that are beneficial to pregnant women. These antioxidants can help to protect against oxidative stress and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.

May Help to Prevent Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a dangerous pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine. Studies have suggested that the consumption of licorice during pregnancy may help to reduce the risk of preeclampsia.

Licorice May Improve Digestive Health

Licorice has been used for centuries to treat digestive issues including stomach ulcers, constipation, and acid reflux. Pregnant women often experience digestive problems due to the hormonal changes in their body.

Consumption of licorice can provide relief to these issues.

Negative Effects of Licorice Consumption During Pregnancy

While there are some benefits of consuming licorice during pregnancy, there are also some risks involved. These risks include:.

High Glycyrrhizin Content

Licorice root contains glycyrrhizin which can cause an increase in blood pressure. Studies have shown that consumption of too much licorice during pregnancy can result in preterm birth, low birth weight, and even stillbirth.

Increased Risk of Maternal Diabetes

Consuming an excessive amount of licorice during pregnancy can also increase the risk of gestational diabetes in the mother. This is because the glycyrrhizin found in licorice can cause an increase in blood sugar levels.

Decreased IQ in the Fetus

A study conducted in Finland found that consuming large amounts of licorice during pregnancy resulted in decreased IQ in the offspring.

The study found that children whose mothers consumed more than 500mg of glycyrrhizin per week had lower IQ scores at the age of 8 than children whose mothers consumed less or no licorice.

Licorice Alternatives During Pregnancy

If you are pregnant and want to avoid the potential risks of consuming licorice, there are several alternatives you can consider. These include:.

Herbal Teas

Herbal teas such as ginger tea, peppermint tea, and chamomile tea can provide relief from digestive issues during pregnancy.

Honey

Honey is a natural sweetener that can be used as an alternative to licorice in food and drinks. It also has antibacterial and antioxidant properties that can be beneficial during pregnancy.

Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate contains flavonoids and antioxidants that are beneficial to pregnant women. It also contains less sugar than milk chocolate and can be used as a substitute for licorice.

Conclusion

Consuming licorice during pregnancy can have both positive and negative effects on the health of the mother and the developing fetus.

While licorice is a natural sweetener that contains several beneficial properties, the risks involved in consuming excessive amounts of glycyrrhizin may outweigh the benefits. Alternative natural sweeteners such as honey and dark chocolate can be used to provide the sweet taste without the potential risks.