Ginger Shot Trend: Exploring the Benefits and the Science Behind It

Do you feel a bit fatigued? Some people may have already told you that eating ginger can help you feel better. Ginger shots are a recent and growing trend! In this article, we will look at the effects of ginger shots and see if they live up to the hype or if there is a difference between them and our usual practice of drinking ginger root tea.

Ginger benefits

Ginger stands out as one of the most potent natural remedies readily available to us. While people sometimes tend to label various foods as miraculous, the efficacy of ginger has often been substantiated by scientific studies.

These days, it is especially helpful because it can ease the stomach problems that come with many illnesses, like cancer and chemotherapy, pregnancy-related hyperemesis gravidarum, vomiting, and feeling sick from the flu or cold. People often use it to get better in the winter, when illnesses are common.

However, ginger has many more benefits than just relieving stomach pain. It has powerful anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antioxidant properties, making it a significant functional food in preventive medicine against numerous chronic diseases.

Which is better: Trend or Tradition

We all know several ways to consume ginger. You can use it as a powder, or you can directly prepare a ginger root tea by putting a piece of ginger root into a cup of hot water.

But to understand the differences, let's first examine how to prepare “the ginger shot.”

Ginger shot

It is easy to prepare a ginger shot at home.

Ingredients:

• 120 ml fresh lemon juice (from about 3 to 4 large lemons)
• 240 ml orange juice (or juice from 3 oranges)
• 60 ml fresh ginger (¼ cup or approximately 2 ounces)

Optional Ingredients:

• 1 to 3 teaspoons of honey
• 1 to 2 dashes of cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• A dash of black pepper

Preparation:

1. Peel the ginger and chop it into small pieces.
2. Place all ingredients, including optional ones if desired, into a high-powered blender.
3. Blend until you achieve a smooth mixture.
4. Pour the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer to separate the liquid from the pulp, ensuring you extract as much liquid as possible.
5. Store the liquid in the fridge.
6. For consumption, measure 30 to 60 ml portions at a time.

On the other hand, traditional ginger root consumption comes in different forms. One well-known method involves mixing ginger powder derived from the root with honey and lemon, consumed in spoonfuls. Another way is to use ginger root when brewing tea, frequently with a squeeze of lemon juice.

The most significant difference lies in the quantity of ginger consumed or whether a vitamin C source is used alongside ginger. In this regard, ginger shots stand out as an effective option due to their high ginger content and the inclusion of lemon or orange juice, which serves as an excellent source of vitamin C.

Potential risks and considerations of ginger shots

When it comes to nutrition, "more" does not always mean "better." It's essential to consider the intense ginger content of ginger shots from different perspectives. Especially for individuals using blood-thinning medications like warfarin. Consulting a doctor before incorporating a mixture with a high amount of ginger, such as a ginger shot, is crucial.

That’s why the ginger shot trend is not for pregnant women, as it can easily exceed 1 gram of ginger consumption.

How much ginger is too much?

Ginger is considered safe for daily consumption, but it is advisable to adhere to certain guidelines. Experts suggest a daily intake of 2-3 grams, with a recommended limit of 1 gram per day for pregnant women. Excessive ginger consumption may lead to gastrointestinal problems, including reflux, heartburn, and diarrhea.

To provide perspective, 1 gram of ginger is roughly equivalent to:

• ½ teaspoon of powdered ginger
• 1 teaspoon of grated raw ginger
• 4 cups of ginger tea with ½ teaspoon of grated ginger

If you consider these amounts, you can see that ginger shot or ginger root powder consumption may exceed the daily dosage easily, depending on the preparation and ingredient amounts.

Therefore, you need to consider the amount of ginger you use if you want to benefit from a ginger shot or any type of ginger consumption. If you don’t want to think about all of these, you can go for ginger root tea.

Ginger allergies

Individuals with ginger allergies should refrain from consuming this mixture. Additionally, even if there is no prior history of allergic reactions, experiencing discomfort, nausea, irritation, or a burning sensation after consuming this mixture warrants consulting a doctor.

To stay within the safe range, it is recommended to start consuming anything new with a small amount, such as a teaspoon or tablespoon, and gradually increase the consumption amount. Due to its concentrated nature, the final amount of ginger shot to be consumed will be a very small amount, like filling just a shot glass.

The final words

It is obvious that ginger shots are a healthy and beneficial trend. However, while ginger shots pack powerful bioactive compounds through the high ginger content and added vitamin C sources, moderation, and individual considerations are still the keys. It is important to understand the potential side effects that we discussed above, and consulting a healthcare professional ensures safe and beneficial consumption for you during the cold winter days.