As a beauty editor, I’ve tried nearly every possible morning routine. While few have stood the test of time, there’s one that I truly swear by: a daily ginger shot. Originally, I only used the little immune booster when I felt a cold coming on, but now, the humble ginger shot has found a permanent place in my morning routine. In fact, I’m so impressed with the results that I think it should be an addition to everyone’s day—right up there with lemon water, apple cider vinegar, coffee with MCT oil, and adaptogenic fungi. Even when thinking about ginger shots versus turmeric shots, I’m team ginger shots.
There are a ton of benefits to consuming ginger—especially if you do it every day: “Ginger looks so inconspicuous from the outside, but it hides a wide range of medically effective ingredients inside,” explains Dr. Roman Huber, head of the University Center for Naturopathy in Freiburg. “For these reasons, it’s a remedy that is often used in naturopathy.”
- Ginger shots come with loads of benefits, including helping with digestion, boosting your immune system, reducing inflammation, and controlling blood sugar levels.
- Ginger shots can be taken any time during the day, but experts say most people take them in the morning to jump-start their digestion.
- You can make ginger shots at home.
What are ginger shots?
As Amy Shapiro, RD, registered dietitian and founder of Real Nutrition, explains it, a ginger shot is a small drink that is made with high amounts of ginger. It is usually 1 to 2 fluid ounces (basically the same size as a shot glass) and can either be pure shots of ginger or blended with other ingredients, such as lemon, orange juice, turmeric, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and honey, to better the flavor and add more health benefits. Shapiro adds that you can even find probiotics in store-bought ginger shots.
The health benefits of drinking ginger shots every day
Ginger stabilizes the blood sugar, food cravings, and midday lows are often the work of unbalanced blood sugar—and we all know how unpleasant those can be. Ginger, on the other hand, works to stabilize insulin; it supports glucose uptake into cells and increases insulin. (This property is currently being investigated as a therapeutic approach for patients with type 2 diabetes.) Controlling blood sugar spikes and crashes is important—not just for managing our weight but because it helps us maintain a consistent energy level, feel less tired, and stay positive.
Boosts the Immune System
In Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine, ginger has long been used as a remedy; today, the ready-made ginger shots in the supermarket often attract people with promises of “immune boosting.” Rightly so: ginger is rich in iron, magnesium, vitamins B6 and C, zinc, and antioxidants that help protect cells from damage. It also has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and stimulates blood circulation in the mucous membranes, which helps the respiratory system flush toxins. All of this adds up to support the immune system in a big way.
Aids Digestion
Gas and bloating become a thing of the past when ginger enters your daily repertoire. Ginger helps speed food through the GI tract, promotes stomach emptying, protects the gut microbiome, and can even help reduce bloating and gas. It can also help ease nausea.
Helps With Inflammation
It also has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and stimulates blood circulation in the mucous membranes, which helps the respiratory system flush toxins. All of this adds up to support the immune system in a big way.
Blood Sugar Regulation
Shapiro says that ginger shots help with blood sugar regulation. Studies have shown that ginger can improve your insulin sensitivity.
May Decrease Blood Pressure
Small studies have shown that ginger has shown to have positive impact on blood pressure, but more research needs to be done. And because it may help with blood pressure, Shapiro says it could possibly support your heart health.
Possibly Boost Metabolism
Though ginger doesn’t directly affect your weight, small studies show that ginger can help you stay full longer. Other research suggests that ginger can reduce mass index and fat percentage, but more needs to be studied.
A ginger shot every day
After reading up on the many benefits of taking a ginger shot every day, I had to find out for myself. So, I stocked up on ginger shots from my local cold-pressed juice shop and started my test: a ginger shot every day for a whole month.
On the first morning, I noticed that I feel refreshed and awake right away after my shot. However, I will admit, it did burn a bit going down—but that’s to be expected; ginger can be kind of spicy, after all. After the first week, I actually began to love the morning kick. I also felt more energetic and more awake—both mentally and physically. These uplifted feelings remained for the next few weeks, and my usual afternoon cravings for something sweet also decreased.
After a month, it was clear: I no longer wanted to miss out on my morning ginger shot. And, I’ve kept it up. My energy levels have significantly increased, and I feel more productive because I can concentrate better and am less easily irritated. (It’s amazing how a low mood can be caused by low energy and sugar spikes!) Of course, having a stronger immune system also feels pretty good—I didn’t have the slightest hint of a scratchy throat throughout the last month, even despite the fact that I was sitting next to a colleague who had a nasty cold. Of course, I know this improved immunity won’t last forever; even the all-powerful ginger root can’t prevent some diseases. But overall, I’ve found that it’s a really helpful immune booster, especially during flu and cold season.
How to get the full benefits of ginger shots
Though a little ginger is better than no ginger at all, it’s definitely best to consume ginger consistently. Studies show that the benefits of eating ginger daily include reduced cholesterol levels and balanced insulin, so try to drink your ginger shot every day to reap the full body-supporting effects.
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