Ginger shots are small amounts of fresh ginger juice extracted from raw ginger root. They’re an incredibly rich source of gingerol, a health-promoting phenolic compound that profoundly benefits human health.
Ginger shots are often used to support healthy immune function, weight management, and digestive comfort.
Discover six impressive ginger shot benefits and learn how you can make this health-promoting remedy at home.
What is a ginger shot?
Ginger shots are concentrated ginger juice typically made by juicing or blending fresh ginger root. They’re highly potent and have a sharp and spicy flavor.
To make fresh ginger shot recipes more palatable, they’re often mixed with other ingredients, including water, lemon juice, turmeric, cayenne pepper, or apple cider vinegar.
The use of ginger to promote health and vitality dates back more than 5000 years. In traditional Asian cultures, ginger has been used to support digestive comfort, promote immune balance, and stimulate blood flow, which was believed to promote physical and spiritual health.
Ginger shots are typically served in shot-sized glasses (1.5 oz) and are best consumed in one swig. While some insist that taking ginger shots on an empty stomach provides the most health benefits, little evidence supports this claim.
Watch the video below to learn how to use ginger for digestive support.
6 ginger shot benefits for your health
Ginger is a rich source of gingerol, a phenolic phytochemical that gives ginger its distinct, sharp flavor and has been linked to various impressive health-supportive properties.
According to research published in Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, regularly consuming ginger promotes digestive and cardiovascular health, supports healthy weight management, and helps maintain digestive comfort.1
Here are six ginger shot benefits
1. Supports digestive wellness
Gingerol stimulates intestinal muscle function, which promotes regular bowel movements and digestive health.
“Ginger has long been used in traditional cuisines to promote digestive comfort. It naturally stimulates bile flow and supports healthy gastric motility, which may help ease occasional bloating or queasiness,” explains Dr. Berg.
Research published in Integrative Medicine Insights highlights that by modulating digestive and neural pathways, gingerols and shogaols found in ginger may help reduce nausea linked to pregnancy, travel, or after eating.2
2. Promotes menstrual comfort
Ginger contains naturally soothing compounds that may help ease menstrual discomfort and promote inflammatory balance.
A study published in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that women who consumed ginger reported less discomfort and overall improved well-being during menstruation.3
It’s believed that ginger inhibits the release of proinflammatory compounds linked to inflammatory responses and muscle tension, which may explain its traditional use in supporting menstrual wellness.
3. Strengthens immune support
Taking ginger shots during cold and flu season may help support your body’s defenses against seasonal immune challenges.
Gingerol has been shown to possess natural antibacterial and antiviral properties that promote microbial balance and robust immune functions.
4. Supports weight management
A study published in Metabolism: Clinical and Experimental suggests that ginger may help support a metabolic balance and promote satiety.4
Gingerol is believed to influence the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in appetite signaling and feelings of fullness. This may help reduce cravings and contribute to maintaining a healthy body weight.
5. Promotes balanced blood sugar
Taking ginger shots can support your metabolic health and may help promote normal blood sugar control.
Gingerol slows down intestinal absorption of carbohydrates and supports normal insulin sensitivity, an important factor for maintaining metabolic health.
Gingerol has also been found to stimulate liver enzymes needed for optimal energy regulation and may encourage the use of fat as a fuel source, which can contribute to stable blood sugar after meals.
6. Supports balanced inflammatory responses
Ginger is rich in gingerol, shogaols, and zingerone–natural compounds known for their powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
While inflammation is part of the body’s natural defense system, an imbalance in inflammatory signals can impact immune function and overall health.
Regularly drinking ginger shots may support inflammatory balance by helping to regulate immune signaling and the production of proinflammatory compounds.
Gingerol’s antioxidant properties can also help support your body’s natural defenses against oxidative stress caused by free radicals, a group of metabolic by-products that contribute to DNA damage and cellular inflammation.
Potential side effects and risks of ginger
Ginger is generally considered safe, and a daily ginger shot is unlikely to cause adverse health effects.
However, some people may be sensitive to gingerol and can experience gastrointestinal issues, including heartburn, reflux, upset stomach, and bloating, especially when consuming ginger shots on an empty stomach.
Additionally, ginger has blood-thinning effects that may interact with blood-thinning medications and increase the risk of bleeding.
If you’re taking blood-thinning medications such as warfarin or aspirin, consult with your healthcare provider before incorporating regular ginger shots into your routine.
Ginger shot recipe
Thanks to gingerol’s many health-supporting properties, ginger shots have become increasingly popular.
While pre-made versions are widely available in supermarkets and health food stores, many contain added sugars or syrups to mask ginger’s strong, spicy flavor. Making homemade ginger shots is an excellent way to avoid unnecessary ingredients and tailor the recipe to your needs.
Here’s how to make simple, keto-friendly ginger shots using just four ingredients.
Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 6
Per serving: 18 calories, 0 g protein, 3.6 g carbohydrates, 2.2 g net carbs, 0 g fat
Ingredients:
2½ cups fresh ginger root, peeled
1 cup filtered water
½ cup fresh lemon juice
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions:
- In a high-powered blender, combine all ingredients and blend for 20 seconds or until smooth.
- Place fine-meshed strainer over large jar. Slowly pour mixture through strainer. Use a spoon or spatula to press out as much liquid as possible.
- Take a shot (1.5 oz) daily, more if feeling unwell.
- Refrigerate in sealed glass jar for up to three days. Enjoy!
Key takeaways
A daily shot of ginger juice is a simple and effective way to support digestion, enhance metabolic health, promote inflammatory balance, and help your body defend against microbial exposure.
While ginger shots are becoming increasingly popular and are readily available at most health food stores, these products can be packed with sugar and high-carb fruit juices.
Making your own keto-friendly ginger shot is a great way to enjoy the potential health benefits of ginger while avoiding unnecessary ingredients.
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 (1.5 oz) 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 gingerols and shogaols, which are health-supporting phytochemicals that promote digestion and metabolic balance, and may help maintain a strong immune system.
4. What happens if I drink ginger every day?
Taking a daily shot of ginger may help support overall wellness. Ginger is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which contribute to cellular health and immune function.
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 may help minimize these effects.
6. Can ginger shots help with bloating?
Ginger has traditionally been used to support digestive comfort. Some evidence suggests it may help relax intestinal muscles, which can ease occasional bloating and digestive tension.
7. Is ginger good for weight loss?
Yes, ginger has been found to support weight management. It helps promote healthy blood sugar levels, supports balanced energy metabolism, and may influence hormones related to hunger and satiety, all key factors that contribute to healthy weight maintenance.
8. Is ginger keto-friendly?
Yes, ginger is low in carbohydrates and fits perfectly into a keto or Healthy Keto® lifestyle.
Just be sure to read labels, as many pre-made ginger shots contain added sugars or high-carb juices that can interfere with 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 helps curb hunger.
10. How much ginger can I have each day?
Consuming up to four grams of ginger daily is generally believed to be safe. Consuming more than four grams per day can increase the risk of gastrointestinal issues, including reflux, heartburn, or nausea.
