6 Ginger Shot Benefits – Cleveland Clinic

From smoothies to kombucha to coconut water, there seem to be healthy drink options everywhere you look.

But what about ginger shots? Popular wellness drinks may aid digestion, strengthen the immune system, and lower blood sugar levels.

Ginger shots are usually made by juicing ginger root or mixing it with orange or lemon juice to make a liquid.

“Fresh ginger can be spicy to eat,” says registered dietitian Candace O’Neill. .”

Also, many ginger shots that you can buy in most stores or online may contain other ingredients such as turmeric, echinacea, and probiotics, which can increase the amount of benefits you get.

“Turmeric is another anti-inflammatory food similar to ginger,” says O’Neill. “So adding it along with ginger doubles the health benefits and allows you to get multiple nutrients at once.”

O’Neill shares the benefits of ginger shots and how to make your own version at home.

Benefits of ginger shot

Ginger is a flowering root plant, and when you take a shot of ginger, you are consuming the pressed or juiced root, called rhizome. Ginger contains vitamin C, magnesium, and potassium. Other ginger shot benefits include:

aid digestion

In the past, you may have drank ginger ale when you had an upset stomach, but the real fresh ginger in ginger shots is a better option to aid digestion.

“Ginger has certain enzymes that help with bloating, relieve constipation, and reduce nausea,” says O’Neil. It can help alleviate.”

Ginger also helps with nausea and vomiting caused by morning sickness and cancer.

relieve pain

Thanks to ginger’s anti-inflammatory and antibiotic properties, ginger shots may help relieve pain. increase.

“Studies show that gingerol reduces the activity and synthesis of pro-inflammatory compounds associated with pain,” explains O’Neill.

Studies have also shown that ginger helps provide long-term pain relief, rather than immediate pain relief.

“Taking ginger may not provide immediate pain relief like taking ibuprofen or acetaminophen, but it may help dull the pain in the long term and reduce chronic signs of inflammation. It’s important to note that it can be helpful,” she adds.

strengthen the immune system

Ginger is touted as having anti-inflammatory and antibiotic properties that strengthen the immune system, but it also contains antiviral and antibacterial properties that help maintain good health.

Ginger contains vitamin C, but not in large amounts. Therefore, ginger shots may contain lemon or orange juice to increase your intake of vitamin C.

“When you take these nutrients together, you can increase your intake of immune-fighting foods,” O’Neil says.

lower blood sugar

People with type 2 diabetes generally don’t make enough insulin. However, ginger may play a role in regulating insulin production, which helps keep blood sugar levels stable.

“There is some evidence that it may improve insulin sensitivity and decrease several enzymes in the body that break down carbohydrates and increase glucose metabolism.

aid weight loss

Are you constantly “dieting” and exercising to lose a few pounds? Studies show that ginger reduces hunger and increases the number of calories burned during digestion. . What’s the point? Ginger may help with weight loss.

“Ginger contains compounds that may enhance the thermic effect of food, causing more calories to be burned to break down food,” O’Neil explains. Doing so alone will not result in significant weight loss in most cases.

Ginger also increases ghrelin, the hormone that controls hunger, which helps reduce appetite and relieve hunger.

lower cholesterol

If you’re seeing a doctor about high cholesterol levels that can lead to heart disease, look into ginger and its many benefits.

“Ginger may help reduce total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides,” says O’Neill.

However, O’Neill says that while there is research on the topic, more research is needed to fully understand the effects of ginger on cholesterol.

Ginger shot risk

Ginger may sound like a great ingredient, but it can cause heartburn in some people.

“It’s best to dilute ginger juice to prevent digestive symptoms from consuming it,” O’Neill recommends. Start with small ounces.”

Ginger in high doses is also a mild blood thinning agent.

“If you’re thinking about including ginger in your diet, talk to your doctor, especially if you’re taking blood thinners,” says O’Neill.

Ginger Shots vs. Ginger Supplements

You may already be incorporating ginger into your diet in the form of supplements.

“You don’t need ginger injections if you take ginger supplements,” says O’Neill. “You are probably taking stronger doses from supplements.”

There’s no recommended amount of ginger that you should consume daily, but O’Neill says consuming too much can cause nausea and gastric reflux.

How to make ginger shots at home

Ready to try ginger shots? There are many options you can buy, but you can make ginger shots at home. O’Neil shares her ginger shot recipe with us:

material

• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice, about 3-4 large lemons
• 1 cup orange juice or 3 orange juice
• 2 ounces ginger

optional ingredients

• 1-3 teaspoons honey
• 1-2 dashes of cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• sprinkle with black pepper

Preparation

1. Peel the ginger and cut into small pieces.
2. Add all ingredients to a powerful blender.
3. Pour mixture through a fine-mesh strainer to squeeze residual liquid from pulp.
4. Store liquids in large containers. To drink, measure 1-2 ounces at a time.

This recipe makes 6-8 shots and will keep in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.

“If your immune system is compromised, these juices are not pasteurized and can spoil faster and make you sicker,” warns O’Neil.

Also, if you don’t like drinking spicy shots of ginger, there are other ways to consume ginger.

“Even if you don’t like the taste of ginger shots, you can use ginger in other recipes for health benefits,” says O’Neill. “I put ginger in smoothies to mask the ginger flavor. It can also be added to meals as a condiment or marinade. The flavor of ginger goes well with Asian and Indian dishes.”