It was already known that consuming large amounts of licorice can cause high blood pressure, but new research suggests even small amounts of licorice can do the same thing. A study from Sweden showed people who reacted most strongly to licorice also showed signs of strain on the heart. The ingredient in licorice thought to be at fault is glycyrrhizic acid. The study, in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, show even at the recommended daily limits of glycyrrhizic acid, volunteers showed higher blood pressure and experienced changes kidney enzymes. The message from the study is to be cautious about licorice consumption, since the amount of glycyrrhizic acid varies in licorice products, and sensitivity to it varies by individual.