FDA issues warning on one of Halloweens favorite treats due to heart problems
Trick or treat, loads of candy in those Halloween bags but you may want to keep on eye for that black licorice.
This treat just may bring you heart problems as the FDA is now warning people to avoid eating too much of this tasty treat.
According to the FDA for those adults over 40 just having two ounces a day of black licorice for about two weeks could result in heart arrhythmia or irregular heart rhythm having you end up in the nearest emergency room.
Let’s face it as adults we can not resist from sneaking that Halloween candy from the bowls we set out for the neighborhood kids to our own children’s treat bags.
The trouble maker in this candy; glycyrrhizin, a compound sweetener produced from licorice root. In large amounts this compound may cause the body’s potassium levels to decrease in which results in abnormal heart can beat and high blood pressure along with the possibility for water retention and swelling. This causes a serious risk for those with congestive heart failure.
There is no apparent wide-spread risk according to the agency in which had only received on reported black licorice related problem last year. However, several medical journals have made the association of the candy to health problems in adults over 40. Some of those adults did have a history of high blood pressure or heart disease.
There is a positive note. Once you stop consuming the black licorice, potassium levels will return to normal and without any permanent health effects. The better news on black licorice, many of the products do not contain the real licorice but have been flavored with anise oil.
Keep in mind black licorice could interfere with some types of medications such as birth control pills, heart medications and some herbs and supplements. The FDA is advising to check with your practitioner first if you should have any concerns.
As far as the FDA concerns, they recommend do not consume large amounts of this candy no matter what age you are. They also advise you have been consuming large amounts and have irregular heart rhythm or muscle weakness to stop eating the candy and immediately call your health care practitioner. Even practitioners agree with FDA and are also advising not to consume large amounts.
Halloween Events in Detroit:
Detroit Zoo – Zoo Boo
Still open 28th to 30th
Decorated half mile trick or treat trail through the zoo, live entertainment, activities in the Zoo Boo Revue Tent, Ghouly Games Tent, Haunted Reptile House and more in store for the entire family.
Tickets are $10.00 at the gate and under two is free. No parking charges.
To check out the event online go to Zoo Boo Detroit Zoo.
The Museum Mystery Tour – Detroit Institute of Arts
Eerie lighting and sounds in the dark but family friendly. Costumes are encouraged.
Self-guided maps are at the Mystery Tour desk in Prentis Court.
The tour is for ages 5 and up with an adult.
October 29th 1pm to 5pm, October 30th 1pm to 5pm
Admission for adults $8, $6 for seniors 62+, $4 for ages 6 to 17 and DIA members free.
5200 Woodward Avenue
Detroit
For Halloween Events and Activities in surround areas from Auburn Hills to Wixcom they can be seen online at Oakland County Moms Events and Activites.
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