Are ginger shots healthy? Benefits, downsides, and recipe

Ginger shots, known for their potential health advantages, can offer reduced inflammation, improved digestion, and enhanced immunity. However, it’s crucial to be cautious about their sugar levels, whether you’re purchasing or preparing them.

These potent beverages derive their strength from the concentrated ginger root (Zingiber officinale), believed to be a protective shield against diseases and an immunity enhancer.

Despite their recent surge in health circles, ginger-based potions have a long history, tracing back to ancient civilizations, as remedies for diverse health issues.

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While the remarkable health properties of ginger are undeniable, it’s natural to question the genuine benefits of ginger shots.

Dive into this guide as we delve into ginger shots, exploring their potential pros, cons, and composition.

In this article

What are ginger shots?

Ginger shots are potent drinks crafted from fresh ginger root. Their composition can differ based on the chosen recipe.

While some are purely fresh ginger juice, others might blend in elements like lemon juice, orange juice, turmeric, cayenne pepper, or even manuka honey.

The creation process involves extracting juice from fresh ginger root or fusing freshly grated ginger with complementary juices, like those of lemon or orange.

These potent beverages can be found ready-made or freshly prepared at specialty juice bars and health-centric food outlets.

For DIY enthusiasts, creating them at home is easy. Use a juicer, integrate freshly grated ginger into citrus-based juices, or blend a piece of ginger with select ingredients using a powerful mixer.

Owing to the intense nature of ginger, these shots pack a spicy punch, making them slightly challenging for some palates. As such, they’re usually crafted in minimal volumes and are meant to be downed in a sip or two.

Summary: Ginger shots are compact drinks made from juiced or grated ginger root. They sometimes combine with other ingredients like lemon juice or manuka honey.

Potential health benefits of ginger shots

Ginger boasts numerous potential health benefits.

While there’s strong evidence backing its positive effects, studies specifically on ginger shots are still in their early stages.

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Given that much of the existing research focuses on high-dose ginger supplements, it remains uncertain if ginger shots offer identical advantages.

Ginger’s potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits

Ginger is not only a flavorful spice but also a powerhouse of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. These qualities help shield our body from harmful free radicals, which can lead to damage over time.

Diving deeper, compounds like gingerols, paradols, and shogaols give ginger its impressive health perks.

Research on both animals and test tubes has consistently shown that ginger can help reduce inflammation related to conditions like arthritis, gut issues, asthma, and even certain cancers. Studies involving people echo these findings.

For instance, a study involving 64 individuals with type 2 diabetes noted that consuming just 2 grams of ginger powder daily reduced inflammatory protein levels significantly. Similarly, male athletes who took 1.5 grams of ginger powder for six weeks saw a notable decrease in certain inflammatory markers.

It’s worth noting that ginger often pairs with ingredients like lemon and turmeric in health shots. These companions also pack their own punch of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant strengths.

Ginger shots may soothe nausea and digestive issues

Ginger is a common natural treatment for stomach issues, such as bloating and indigestion.

Studies demonstrate that supplementing with ginger can help increase food movement through your stomach, improve indigestion, decrease bloating, and reduce intestinal cramping.

Ginger is also used to help treat nausea and is often taken by pregnant women seeking a natural and effective nausea remedy that is safe for both them and their babies.

A study of 120 pregnant women showed that those who took 750 mg of ginger daily for 4 days experienced significant reductions in nausea and vomiting compared to a control group. No adverse side effects were reported.

Ginger may also help relieve nausea and vomiting related to chemotherapy and surgery.

Additionally, animal studies suggest that ginger may protect against and treat stomach ulcers.

Ginger shots may benefit immune health

Ginger is packed with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant powers that can help fortify your immune health.

While a little inflammation is a natural part of our body’s defense mechanism, too much of it over time can weaken our immunity and make us more susceptible to illnesses.

Incorporating antioxidant-rich items like ginger shots into your diet can help tackle inflammation, ensuring a robust immune system.

Research, primarily using test-tube and animal models, indicates that ginger can improve immune function. Additionally, ginger is known for its potent antiviral and antibacterial strengths.

A particular study highlighted that fresh ginger could counteract the human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) – a leading cause of respiratory infections. Plus, ginger was found to amplify the body’s defense against this virus.

Furthermore, typical ingredients in ginger shots, like honey and lemon, can also enhance immunity. Both these ingredients are known for their antibacterial and antiviral qualities. Notably, honey can act as a protective shield for your immune system and boost its performance.

Other benefits of ginger shots

Aside from the above benefits, ginger shots may:

Benefit blood sugar control. Several studies note that ginger supplements can reduce blood sugar levels and improve hemoglobin A1c, a marker of long-term blood sugar control.
Boost weight loss. Ginger has been shown to significantly reduce body weight, decrease hunger, and increase the thermic effect of food, or the calories you burn during digestion.
Exhibit anticancer properties. Research indicates that ginger may help protect against certain types of cancer, including pancreatic cancer, possibly due to its antioxidant content.

Depending on additional ingredients, such as spinach and apple, ginger shots may offer other health benefits, too.

Summary: Ginger and other ingredients added to ginger shots may help reduce inflammation, decrease digestive issues, and enhance immune function, alongside other benefits.

Downsides of ginger shots

While downing a ginger shot is generally considered safe for most people, some potential side effects are worth noting.

Ginger, especially when consumed in large amounts, might have blood-thinning effects. However, research in this area is mixed, as some studies find that ginger does not affect blood thinning.

Nevertheless, those taking blood thinners like Warfarin may want to avoid ginger shots and moderate their ginger consumption.

As ginger may decrease blood sugar levels, people with diabetes on certain blood sugar medications should be mindful of consuming large doses of ginger.

This blood-sugar-lowering effect is only associated with concentrated ginger supplements, not necessarily ginger shots.

Additionally, people who are allergic to ginger should avoid ginger shots.

Added sugar is also a concern. Some recipes call for sweeteners, such as honey or agave nectar, and use fruit juices like orange juice to blunt the spicy taste of ginger.

While consuming a small amount of juice or honey is not harmful, regularly downing ginger shots with added sugar or fruit juice may lead to excess calorie intake and blood sugar issues.

Summary: Ginger shots are generally safe. Still, concentrated ginger products may thin the blood and reduce blood sugar levels. Be mindful of added sugar in ginger shots as well.

How to make ginger shots at home: A step-by-step guide

Whipping up ginger shots has become a trendy practice at many juice bars, often featuring enticing additions such as spirulina or cayenne pepper.

While you can grab these shots from specialized grocery aisles or health-focused online stores, it’s incredibly straightforward to concoct them right in your home’s sanctuary. No juicer? No worries! A blender works wonders too.

Start by blending 1/4 cup (24 grams) of peeled, fresh ginger root with 1/4 cup (60 ml) of tangy lemon juice.
Keep it running at high speed until you achieve a cloudy consistency.
Carefully drain the blended mix through a fine mesh to capture the rich juice.

For optimal benefits, savor 1 ounce (30 ml) of this zesty blend each day and ensure you keep any leftover juice chilled in a sealed container.

Feeling adventurous? Dabble with additional flavors such as a sprinkle of cinnamon or a hint of cayenne pepper. The internet is rife with numerous flavor pairings and unique recipes.

However, if you lean towards sweeter additions like apple juice, orange juice, or honey, it’s wise to be conservative with the quantity to manage your sugar levels effectively.

Summary: You can easily make ginger shots at home or order pre-made ones online. Mix up your shots with added ingredients like spirulina or honey depending on your tastes.