The Truth About These Viral Ginger Injections

IF YOU WALK At your local smoothie or juice cafe, you may have noticed tiny bottles of ginger juice in the fridge, ready to be sold. They’re called ginger shots and they’re gaining traction on the internet and in supermarket aisles, offering a purported dose of wellness and vitality in just one sip.

Ginger shots are small, concentrated drinks made from fresh ginger root, explains Romane Guérot, RDN They have become popular recently due to their purported health benefits, including aiding digestion, reducing inflammation, and strengthening the immune system.

This modern health craze is nothing new, although ginger has been used in traditional medicine for centuries to treat various illnesses. But do we really need to suppress the clichés? Dietitians explain whether ginger shots are worth the hype.

What’s in a ginger shot?

As mentioned above, ginger shots are concentrated drinks made from fresh ginger root juice. Some other good-for-you ingredients are often added to the concoction, Guerot says, including water, lemon juice, honey, turmeric and black pepper.

The ideal serving size for a ginger shot is one to two ounces, and it’s recommended to consume them no more than once a day, she says.

The health benefits of ginger shots

Mary Sabat, MS, RDNsays you can attribute potential health benefits to the main ingredient, ginger, because it is rich in bioactive compounds like gingerol.

There are many health benefits associated with eat more gingerbut not specifically with ginger shots. The shot itself is nothing special. You can drink ginger tea, add ginger to your salads, or mix it into a soup to get the same health effects.

However, as with any food or drink, there is no magic panacea. Without associating the shots with an overall healthy and balanced diet, regular physical activity and a healthy lifestyle free of alcohol and tobacco, these juice shots are a moot point.

Below, Guerot and Sabat detail the potential health benefits of ginger shots, which are the same as ginger root itself.

An aid to digestion

Have you ever wondered why your mother always took ginger ale when you were nauseous as a child?

Ginger can help stimulate the production of digestive juices and promote the movement of food through the digestive tract, says Guerot. This can help relieve symptoms such as nausea, indigestion and bloating.

Reduces inflammation

Several diseases such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis all cause inflammation in the body. Compounds in ginger have been shown to reduce inflammation associated with these conditions.

Ginger contains powerful anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in the body, which could potentially benefit people with conditions such as osteoarthritis, says Sabat.

Immune system support

This is linked to the presence of gingerols, a powerful antioxidant present in ginger. The antioxidant can help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals, says Guerot. Ginger can also help increase the production of white blood cells, which play an important role in fighting infections.

Boost your energy and concentration

Do you find that the spiciness of the ginger shot really wakes you up after taking it?

Some people experience increased energy and mental clarity after consuming ginger shots due to their stimulating properties, says Sabat.

Pain relief

Ginger’s anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties can relieve various types of pain, including headaches, studies have shown, says Sabat.

Should you drink ginger shots?

Overall, Guerot says ginger shots are generally safe and potentially beneficial, but more research is needed to confirm the health claims associated with ginger shots. They also contain a lot of sugar, so it is important to consume them in moderation.

If you’re considering trying ginger shots, Guerot advises starting with a small dose and gradually increasing as tolerated, as they can cause side effects such as severe stomach upset and heartburn. doses. Before trying them, talk to your doctor, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications.