A staple plant with glycyrrhiza glabra origins for its medical properties and sweet flavouring since antiquity, a native plant in Asia, Southern Europe, and the Middle East, is licorice root, which is prized for being brewed in the ancient kingdom of Egypt, where the Egyptians prepared its sweet drink for kings and queens. Currently, licorice root is applied as a health medicine and a constituent of food.

With nearly 300 bioactive compounds, the main bioactive compound glycyrrhizin, which forms the basis of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. Nevertheless, the multiple health benefits associated with its use mean it has to be used carefully due to side effects.

Possible Licorice Root Health Benefits

1. Supports Skin Diseases

Licorice root has been used to treat skin conditions such as acne and eczema. Studies have demonstrated that creams with licorice root extracts are as potent as hydrocortisone-based creams for eczema, reducing redness, swelling, and irritation. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it a good natural remedy for soothing sensitive or irritated skin.

2. Relieving Acid Reflux and Indigestion

It is widely recommended for the management of GERD symptoms such as acid reflux, heartburn, and indigestion. A study published in 2017 with 58 participants proved that taking licorice root on a daily basis reduced the symptoms of GERD within two years of consumption. This surpasses traditional antacids and makes it a natural alternative for digestive comfort.

3. It aids in the treatment of peptic ulcers

Peptic ulcers caused by H. pylori bacteria may be painful. It was suggested in studies that glycyrrhizin found in licorice root promotes healing and protects against inflammation, maintains gut health. It improves the efficacy of treatment given the standard management can now work in harmony with its properties toward more holistic treatment of peptic ulcers.

4. Anti-cancer Properties

Preliminary research shows that the licorice root could have anticancer activity. Research in the laboratory setting demonstrated its compounds slow or stop the development of cancer cells in skin, colorectal, and breast cancers. In addition to this, the root can help manage oral mucositis, which is an extremely painful side effect of chemotherapy. Its use in treating cancer, however, has yet to be proven through human trials.

5. Helping Relieve Respiratory Disorders

Licorice root's anti-inflammatory properties may benefit those with respiratory ailments such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Studies suggest that glycyrrhizin, a key compound, enhances bronchodilator effectiveness and protects lung tissue from oxidative damage. Furthermore, licorice root tea has shown promise in alleviating symptoms of strep throat and other upper respiratory infections.

6. Promoting Oral Health

It is known that licorice root may prevent cavities, tooth decay, and other oral conditions like thrush and periodontitis. Antimicrobial properties will combat bacteria causing oral health issues; however, more studies need to be conducted on dosage and usage.

Precautions to Take and Possible Side Effects

Licorice root is generally safe to consume but can cause severe side effects when taken in excess since glycyrrhizin accumulates in the body, leading to electrolyte imbalance, increased cortisol, and blood pressure. In the long term, it causes such effects as: Hypertension Low levels of potassium Kidney damage Heart condition, including arrhythmia and congestive heart failure

Because of these risks, heart disease, hypertension, or kidney disease patients should avoid using licorice root. Also, pregnant and nursing mothers should not use it.

Drug Interactions

Licorice root may interact with a number of medications such as:

• Blood pressure drugs
• Blood thinners
• Diuretics Cholesterol-lowering drugs NSAIDs
• Estrogen-based contraceptives

If you are on any of these medications, consult a healthcare provider before using licorice root supplements.

Recommended Dosage and Usage

There is no standard dosage for licorice root. However, research has indicated that it is safe to take daily dosages ranging from 1–5 grams. Always follow the manufacturer instructions or seek advice from a health care provider to get recommendations tailored to your specific needs.

How to Store Licorice Root

To extend the shelf life, store licorice root supplements in a cool, dry place, not exposed to direct sunlight. Refrigeration is usually not required, but always follow the storage instructions on the product label. Keep the supplements out of reach of children and pets, and discard them when they expire.

Licorice root is a product that has a variety of potential health benefits, including aiding digestion and soothing skin conditions, supporting respiratory health, and even possibly fighting cancer. However, it does have risks. Severe side effects can be caused by excessive or long-term use, especially in vulnerable populations. Always consult a healthcare provider and follow recommended dosages for safe and effective use.

A new study published in BMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health has found that low-calorie or restrictive diets may be associated with a higher risk of depressive symptoms, particularly in men and people who are overweight or obese. The findings challenge previous research and highlight the potential mental health costs of calorie-cutting diets, especially when followed without proper nutritional guidance.

Healthy vs. Unhealthy Diets: What We Know

Traditionally, diets rich in whole foods—such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, lean proteins, and fish—are linked to lower risks of depression. On the other hand, diets high in ultra-processed foods, refined sugars, saturated fats, and processed meats are associated with a greater risk of mental health issues. However, not all diets fit neatly into these categories, and many people follow restrictive eating plans for various health reasons. This new study set out to explore whether these restrictive diets themselves may be linked to depressive symptoms.

The Study: Diet Patterns and Depression Scores

Researchers analyzed data from 28,525 adults who participated in the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 2007 and 2018. Participants also completed the PHQ-9 questionnaire, a standard tool used to assess the severity of depressive symptoms.

About 8% of participants reported depressive symptoms. Diet types were grouped into four categories:

• Calorie-restrictive diets
• Nutrient-restrictive diets (low in fat, sugar, salt, fibre, or carbs)
• Established diets (such as diabetic diets)
• No specific diet

The majority—87%—were not following any specific diet. Only 8% reported being on a calorie-restrictive diet, and even fewer followed nutrient-restrictive (3%) or established (2%) dietary plans.

Key Findings: Dieting and Depressive Symptoms

The results showed that people on calorie-restrictive diets had slightly higher PHQ-9 depression scores than those not on a diet. The differences were more significant among overweight individuals and men.

Overweight individuals following calorie-restrictive diets had PHQ-9 scores 0.46 points higher.

Nutrient-restrictive diets led to a 0.61-point increase in depressive scores in the same group.

Men on nutrient-restrictive diets had higher cognitive-affective symptoms (thoughts and feelings linked to depression) compared to women.

All three diet types were associated with higher somatic symptoms (physical symptoms linked to emotional distress) in men.

Possible Explanations and Limitations

Researchers noted that participants might have inaccurately reported or classified their diets. Unlike clinical trials, real-life calorie-restricted diets often lack adequate nutrients, leading to deficiencies that could affect mental health.

The researchers suggest that poor nutrient intake, weight cycling, and physiological stress might contribute to the link between dieting and depression. They also highlight the role of nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin B12 in supporting brain function—nutrients that may be lacking in restrictive diets.

While the effects seen in the study were modest, the findings add to growing concerns about the mental health impact of restrictive diets. Experts stress the need for well-designed studies that accurately assess diet and mental health links, particularly among vulnerable groups.

In the world full of people who are on their quest to defy aging like Bryan Johnson, we have another on the list, a 41-year-old doctor from London, Dr Mohammed Enayat. While speaking to Business Insider, the doctor, who is also the founder of the Hum2n longevity clinic said that tests which were taken some 18 months back indicated that his biological age was 24.

He has devoted his life to longevity which he says could be achieved through comprehensive routine that includes readily accessible supplements. While there is no universal test that measures one's biological age, Dr Enayat says that he used GlycanAge and TruAge PACE tests. These tests measure the chronic inflammation and then determine one's biological age.

What Works In Anti Aging?

Dr Enayat shared that he had been monitoring his health closely form the last seven years. He is also using wearable technology like an Oura ring, which is a smart ring that is used to track sleep and physical activities. He also recommended using fitness device which can help one monitor the physiological data, which includes heart rate, respiratory rate and resting heart rate, for this, he used a Whoop strap.

He had also been regular with his full body tests which included regular blood, urine, and microbiome tests. What has helped him is also his regular intake of supplements, which he has consistently taken and considers them as his "core".

"While I believe these supplements have supported my biological age reversal, I credit them as one component in a much broader framework," he told to Business Insider.

What Supplements Does The Doctor Use To Reverse His Age?

Dr Enayat shares a list of supplements that he uses in his journey to reverse his biological age. The first one on his list is vitamin B and folate supplement. He shares that he consumes it due to its "methylation gene defect". It causes high, pro-inflammatory homocysteine levels and in order to bring it down, he has to be on a good B complex and a folate supplement.

He also emphasized on the magnesium supplement. He revealed that his natural levels are already below the recommended levels, due to his dietary intake. In order to compensate that, he opts for magnesium bisglycinate, which is a form better known for absorption. "It works really well to bring my levels up," he shares.

Furthermore, magnesium is also beneficial for bone health, blood sugar regulation, and muscle function. They are also found in foods like legumes and leafy greens.

Lastly, he credits his age reversal to omega-3 fatty acid supplements. He reveals that even in this parameter, his natural levels are low.

Omega-3 fatty acids are present in fish and chia seeds. They have been linked with an improved heart health, reduced inflammation, and lower blood pressure.

In fact, in a recent study, published in Nature Aging, which involved 777 participant, it was revealed that daily gram consumption of omega-3 fatty acid was in fact, associated with lower "biological ages".

A team of researchers has discovered a group of brain cells responsible for creating “meal memories” — a finding that could explain why people often overeat after forgetting a recent meal. Published in Nature Communications, the study reveals how these neurons not only store information about what was eaten but also when it was consumed. The research, conducted on laboratory rats, may offer new insights into eating disorders, memory loss, and even distracted eating habits.

The Brain’s Food Log: What Are Meal Engrams?

Scientists observed that while eating, a specific set of neurons in the ventral hippocampus became active. These neurons formed what researchers are calling meal engrams — memory traces that preserve the details of eating experiences, including the place and time a meal occurred.

“Meal engrams function like biological databases,” explained Scott Kanoski, senior author of the study and professor at USC Dornsife. “They help the brain log not just the food, but the full context of the meal.”

Engrams have long been known to store different types of memories. This study is the first to identify engrams tied specifically to eating.

Why This Matters: Overeating and Memory Loss

The findings could help explain why individuals with memory impairments — such as those with dementia or brain injuries — may eat multiple meals in a short span of time. If the brain cannot properly recall a recent meal, it may mistakenly interpret hunger signals and prompt overeating.

Disordered eating can also be triggered by distracted eating. Whether it’s watching TV or scrolling on a phone, these distractions may interfere with how effectively the brain forms meal memories. According to lead author Lea Decarie-Spain, these interruptions weaken or prevent the creation of complete meal engrams. Without these memory markers, the brain may fail to recognize that a meal has already been consumed.

How the Brain Records a Meal

The study showed that rats formed meal memories during short pauses between bites — moments when their brains naturally surveyed the environment. These pauses are key to integrating various streams of information such as time, place, and sensory details. When attention is disrupted during these pauses, memory formation suffers.

Using advanced neuroscience tools, researchers monitored brain activity in real-time as the rats ate. When the meal memory neurons were destroyed, the rats forgot where food was located but could still perform non-food-related memory tasks. This suggests that these neurons are uniquely dedicated to processing meal-related memories.

Further analysis showed that these neurons communicate with the lateral hypothalamus, a brain area crucial for regulating hunger. When this link was blocked, rats overate and could not remember meal details — further proving the importance of this memory mechanism.

A New Angle on Obesity Treatment

Kanoski believes this research opens new avenues for managing obesity and disordered eating. While current approaches largely focus on calorie restriction and exercise, strengthening meal memory formation could become an equally important strategy.

“Remembering what and when you ate could be just as vital as making healthy food choices,” he said.

In a world filled with distractions, this study underscores the power of mindful eating — not just for the sake of enjoyment, but for better memory, appetite control, and long-term health.