Ginger Shots: Health Benefits and Easy Recipe

Ginger shots are small amounts of fresh ginger juice extracted from raw ginger root. They are an incredibly rich source of gingerol, a health-promoting phenolic compound that profoundly benefits human health.   

Ginger shots are often used as a natural remedy to boost immunity, support weight loss, and combat morning sickness during pregnancy. 

Learn about ginger shot benefits and how you can make your own homemade ginger shots!

What is a ginger shot?

Ginger shots are concentrated ginger juice typically made by juicing or blending fresh ginger root. They're highly concentrated and have a sharp and spicy flavor. 

To make fresh ginger shots more palatable, they're often mixed with other ingredients, including water, lemon juice, turmeric, cayenne pepper, or apple cider vinegar.

The medicinal use of ginger elixirs, ginger extract, and ginger powder dates back more than 5000 years. Asian cultures used ginger to treat nausea, support the immune system, and stimulate blood flow, which was believed to enhance physical and spiritual health.

Ginger shots are typically served in shot-sized glasses and are best consumed in one gulp. While some insist that taking ginger shots on an empty stomach provides the most health benefits, there is little evidence to support this claim.

Six ginger shot benefits for your health

Ginger is a rich source of gingerol, a phenolic phytochemical that gives ginger its distinct sharp flavor. Gingerol has impressive health benefits, and research suggests that regularly consuming ginger promotes digestive and cardiovascular health, helps to ease nausea, and may support weight loss.  

Here are six ginger shot benefits!

1. Promotes digestive health 

Ginger has been used for centuries to treat nausea and morning sickness in pregnant women.

Gingerol stimulates healthy intestinal muscle function, which supports regular bowel movements and digestive health. It also relaxes the intestinal tract and regulates gut motility which can relieve bloating, stomach pains, and nausea. 

Ginger supplementation has also been found effective in lowering nausea associated with chemotherapy and appears to reduce the risk of developing stomach ulcers. 

2. Helps to alleviate menstrual pain 

Ginger has potent anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties that can help alleviate menstrual discomfort.

This study found that women who consumed ginger experienced less menstrual pain and reported fewer cramps. It's thought that ginger inhibits the release of proinflammatory compounds linked to inflammation and menstrual muscle spasms and has mild analgesic effects that can ease menstrual pain.

3. Boosts immune function 

Taking a daily shot of ginger during cold and flu season may help lower your risk of respiratory tract infections. 

Gingerol has potent antibacterial and antiviral properties that support immune function. Studies have shown that gingerol effectively inhibits the growth of bacteria and the proliferation of viruses, significantly lowering the risk of microbial infections. 

Additionally, gingerol's anti-inflammatory effects stimulate immune cell activity, boosting your body's capacity to combat infections and lowering your risk of developing inflammatory conditions, including asthma and rheumatoid arthritis.

4. Supports weight loss

Some studies have suggested that ginger may help to boost your metabolism and increase feelings of fullness, which can promote weight loss. 

It’s believed that gingerol increases the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in hunger, satiety, and appetite suppression, leading to balanced energy intake and a healthy waistline.  

5. Promotes healthy blood sugar control  

Taking ginger shots supports your metabolic health and may lower your risk of diabetes. 

Gingerol slows down intestinal absorption of carbohydrates and can help to improve blood sugar control by increasing the sensitivity of your cells to insulin, a key metabolic hormone needed for healthy blood sugar regulation.  

Gingerol also has been found to stimulate liver enzymes needed for healthy energy regulation and promote fat utilization as an energy source.

6. Helps to combat inflammation 

Ginger is rich in gingerol, shogaols, and zingerone—these phytochemicals have potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. 

Although inflammation plays an essential role in protecting the body from infection, chronic and unresolved inflammation is a leading cause of the development of serious health conditions, including autoimmune diseases, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. 

Regularly consuming ginger shots rich in anti-inflammatory phytochemicals supports your body's immune defenses and helps to naturally lower the production of inflammatory compounds that can perpetuate inflammation.

Gingerol's antioxidant effects can protect your cells from harmful free radicals, a group of metabolic by-products that can cause DNA damage and cellular inflammation. This may explain why ginger consumption is linked to a lower risk of developing cancer. 

Potential side effects and risks of ginger

Ginger is generally considered safe, and taking a daily ginger shot is unlikely to cause adverse health effects. 

However, some people appear sensitive to gingerol and can experience gastrointestinal issues, including heartburn, reflux, upset stomach, and bloating, especially when taking ginger shots on an empty stomach.

Ginger has blood thinning effects and can interact with blood thinning medications and increase the risk of bleeding. It’s best to discuss ginger supplements with your doctor if you are taking blood-thinning medications such as warfarin or aspirin.

Ginger shot recipe

Because of gingerol's many health benefits, ginger shots have become an increasingly popular form of ginger supplementation and pre-made ginger shots are readily available in many supermarkets and health food stores. However, some of these concentrated beverages contain high amounts of sugar and syrups to mask gingerol's strong flavor.

If you want to avoid unnecessary ingredients that don't support your health, you can make your own ginger shots. It's surprisingly easy and fun. Check out this low-carb, keto-friendly ginger shot recipe.    

Time: 5 minutes

Servings: 6 

Per serving: 18 calories, 0 g protein, 3.6 g total carbohydrates, 2.2 g net carbs, 0 g fat

Ingredients:

14 oz / 280 g fresh ginger root, peeled 

1 cup filtered water 

½ cup fresh lemon juice 

⅛ tsp cayenne pepper

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients in a high-powered blender and blend for 20 seconds or until the mixture has a smooth consistency.  

2. Place a fine-meshed strainer on a clean jug. Slowly pour the mixture into the strainer and use a spoon or spatula to carefully push excess fluid from remaining solids.  

3. Pour liquid into a sealable container and store ginger juice in the fridge for up to three days.

Key takeaways

Taking a daily shot of ginger juice is an excellent way to support your digestion, boost your immunity, and lower your risk of microbial infections and diabetes. 

Ginger shots are becoming increasingly popular and are readily available at most health food stores. However, these products can be packed with sugar and high-carb fruit juices. 

To take advantage of ginger's many health benefits, make your own low-carb ginger shots!

FAQ

1. What is a ginger shot?

Ginger shots contain fresh ginger juice made from raw ginger roots. Because ginger shots are heavily concentrated, they’re typically served in shot-sized glasses and consumed in one gulp.  

2. How do I make a ginger shot?

Ginger shots are made by blending or juicing fresh ginger root to extract its liquid. Concentrated ginger juice has a strong flavor and is often mixed with water, cayenne pepper, or lemon juice to make ginger shots more palatable. 

3. What are ginger shots good for?

Ginger shots are rich in gingerol, a potent phytochemical that supports healthy digestion, boosts your immune system, promotes healthy blood sugar regulation, and may help you lose weight.  

4. What happens if I drink ginger every day?

Taking a daily shot of ginger can support your health and well-being. Ginger is rich in gingerol, which has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can protect your cells from oxidation and inflammation and promote a strong immune system.

5. Is it good to have a ginger shot on an empty stomach?

Some people swear by taking ginger shots on an empty stomach. However, this can cause symptoms of heartburn and reflux in sensitive individuals. Taking ginger shots with food will most likely resolve this issue. 

6. Can ginger shots help with bloating?

Ginger has traditionally been used as a natural remedy to relieve bloating. Some evidence suggests that ginger relaxes the smooth muscle of the intestines, which can help reduce bloating and gastrointestinal discomfort. 

7. Is ginger good for weight loss?

Yes, ginger has been found to support weight loss. Ginger promotes healthy blood sugar levels and stimulates balanced energy regulation linked to a healthy weight. 

Ginger also appears to balance hormones regulating hunger and satiety, and ginger shots may reduce appetite, supporting weight loss and maintenance. 

8. Is ginger keto-friendly?

Ginger is low-carb and highly nutritious, making it a perfect keto-approved food if you are doing Healthy Keto®. 

It’s important to check the labels of pre-made ginger shots. They often contain sugar or are mixed with fruit juices, including apple and orange juice, to mask ginger’s strong flavor. These products are high in carbs and can quickly raise your blood sugar levels and kick you out of ketosis.

9. Will ginger break my fast?

No, ginger won’t break your fast. In fact, ginger supports intermittent fasting as it promotes balanced insulin levels and curbs hunger.

10. How much ginger can I have each day?

Consuming up to four grams of ginger per day is generally believed to be safe. Consuming more than four grams daily can increase the risk of gastrointestinal issues, including reflux, heartburn, or nausea.