“Do you patiently wait for Halloween to satisfy your black licorice cravings?” a report on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s website asked. “Beware black licorice enthusiasts — too much of it can cause serious harm! If you are over the age of 40 and consume multiple two ounce bags (roughly 40-50 grams each) of black licorice a day for at least two weeks you could be at risk for heart arrhythmias.”

Those of you who take advantage of inexpensive candy this time of year should pay attention. The FDA states that black licorice (red licorice is a misnomer, you know) naturally contains glycyrrhizin, that may cause kidneys to release potassium, a mineral that is essential for a healthy heart. Eating too much licorice can dangerously lower your levels of potassium which can result in abnormal heart rhythms, hypertension, edema, lethargy and congestive heart failure.

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