As a beauty editor, I’ve tried pretty much every morning routine you can think of. While few have stood the test of time, there’s one that I really do swear by: a daily ginger shot.
Originally, I only used the little immune booster when I felt a cold coming on, but now, the ginger shot has found a permanent place in my daily routine. In fact, I’m so impressed by the results that I firmly believe everyone should do it – it’s easily up there with lemon water and apple cider vinegar.
5 benefits of taking a ginger shot every day
There are multiple 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. “It’s a remedy that is often used in naturopathy.”
Food cravings and midday slumps are common side effects of unbalanced blood sugar – and we all know how unpleasant those can be. Ginger works to stabilise insulin: it supports glucose uptake into cells and increases insulin.
Studies show that ginger helps support muscle tissue to take up glucose, meaning lower, more stable blood sugar. This specific property of ginger is currently being researched as a therapeutic approach for people with Type 2 diabetes.
Controlling blood sugar spikes and crashes throughout the day is important – not only for managing our weight but because it helps us to maintain consistent energy levels, feel less tired and help with mood regulation.
In Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine, ginger has long been used as a remedy. Today, ready-made ginger shots in the supermarket attract people with promises of being “immune boosting” – and, 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 to flush out toxins. All of this adds up to supporting the immune system in a significant way.
The key reason that I drink a ginger shot every day is the boost in energy levels.
Because ginger stabilises blood sugar, along with helping with the efficient absorption of nutrients like vitamins and minerals, it supports consistent, reliable energy levels. When insulin remains in check, responding appropriately to food and movement, we have more energy, feel less tired and experience more stability in our moods.
Gingerol and shogaol are the two main groups of bioactive pungent substances in ginger. They provide the typical spiced taste, but can do much more, thanks to their strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This can help provide relief for arthritis, metabolic disorders, muscle pain and digestive problems.
Ginger also has an effect on the stomach and intestines.
Firstly, it helps move food through the GI tract, accelerates gastric emptying and stimulates the production of digestive enzymes.
Secondly, ginger can help with nausea, as gingerol and shogaol influence the nerve receptors that trigger the nausea response. In pregnancy, it’s been shown to provide noticeable relief from persistent nausea.
Finally, studies show that ginger can even help with reducing bloating and gas.
I drank a ginger shot every day for a month
After reading up on all of these benefits myself, 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 I felt refreshed and awake right away after my shot. It did burn a bit going down – but that’s to be expected. Plus, after a week, I began to love the intensity of its morning kick. I also felt more energetic and more awake, both mentally and physically. My usual afternoon cravings for something sweet also decreased.
The changes I noticed after one month
Since that month-long trial, 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 develop even a hint of a scratchy throat last month, despite the fact that I was sitting next to a colleague battling a nasty cold.
Of course, I know this improved immunity won’t last forever, and there are certain illnesses even the mighty ginger root cannot prevent. 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
You'll experience the greatest benefits if you drink ginger shots regularly (ideally daily). The long-term effects, such as an improved immune system, balanced blood sugar levels, sustained energy and improved mood, are further enhanced by other healthy habits like sufficient exercise, a balanced diet and adequate sleep.
Can you make ginger shots at home?
Keep in mind that there are significant differences in quality when it comes to the ready-made versions of ginger shots. Look for cold-pressed, unheated ginger shots – these will have the most intact vitamins and nutrients. And make sure your ginger shot does not contain added sugar or glucose-spiking juices like orange or apple. Do your due diligence and check the label.
Better still, make your own ginger shots at home by simply blending fresh ginger root in a high-powered blender with some water. If you go that route, try adding a squeeze of fresh lemon, a dash of cayenne, and a bit of Manuka honey for an extra immune boost.
Who are ginger shots suitable for?
If you are a healthy person with no pre-existing health conditions, ginger shots are a great thing to incorporate into your diet. They’ll help to gently stimulate digestion, improve circulation and quietly support your immune system.
People with occasional nausea and mild digestive issues will see particular benefits.
However, if you have a sensitive stomach or acid reflux, exercise caution. The spice of the ginger can irritate the mucous membranes in the stomach and make matters worse.
Anyone taking anticoagulants, who is prone to bleeding or experiences blood sugar lows, should also avoid large amounts of ginger as it can have a blood-thinning effect and further lower blood sugar.
During pregnancy, ginger in moderate amounts is generally deemed to be safe, but highly concentrated shots should only be consumed after speaking with a doctor.
