Licorice - How Does it Speed up Your Metabolism?

Licorice is an herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to pea family. It natively grows in Southern Europe, Asia and the Mediterranean. Its flower is a combination of white and purple color and grows up to seven feet long. It's traditionally used to add flavor to food, tobacco and alcohol. Greeks, Egyptians, Hindus and Chinese cultivate licorice for its medicinal purposes. It has antiviral, antifungal, antioxidants and expectorant properties.

Licorice has been scientifically proven to support adrenalin functions. Adrenalin glands are part of endocrine system that are responsible to keep the body energized and to enhance mind alertness during emergency and when the stress level increases. Adrenalin plays an important role during metabolism, a process of using the food energy to do work. Slow metabolism is one of the most common factors of weight gain. During digestion, foods are broken into sugar and other essential nutrients. They are absorbed from the intestines to all parts of the body through the bloodstream to fuel energy. Sugar or glucose is the main source of energy and calorie is the measure of energy. All parts of the body including the vital organs metabolize energy to perform their specific work. From breathing, to thinking and doing physically demanding works require energy. When you eat too much and do little work, your body uses small amount of energy. Unused energy is stored in the body in form of fats. The more fats stored in the body the slower the metabolism becomes.

Licorice helps adrenalin glands to release cortisol, a hormone that brings back the body to its normal activities after a period of stress. Cortisol breaks down fats, thus speeds up metabolism. Increased level of metabolism uses more energy and burns more fats thus, lose more pounds. Licorice has been used since ancient time by Egyptians and Chinese as an adrenalin tonic to increase energy level and metabolism.

Licorice is a part of legume family like pea and beans which are good sources of protein. Protein is an essential nutrient in building and repairing muscle tissue to boost metabolism. Lean and toned muscles burn calories even when the body is at rest. Licorice also lowers bad cholesterol to keep the body in good condition and in shape.

Gylcyrrhiza Glabra is the scientific name for licorice which means "sweet root" in Greek. Black licorice candies are made from licorice root which has ten times more sucrose than the regular sweeteners. Licorice makes you feel full and lessens food intake and cravings. Less food intake allows stored energy to be utilized by the body. This process helps to lose weight and speeds metabolism.

Losing weight is made possible and easier with licorice. However, long term use of this amazing metabolism booster can increase blood pressure. Ask your doctor regarding the right amount or dosage and frequency of licorice intake to prevent side effects.