What is “Ginger Shot” , Recipe, Benefits and Side Effects if Consumed Every Day ?

Recently, health content showing influencers consuming ginger shots has been circulating quite often on various social media. Most of these influencers mention that there are many health benefits to be gained from regularly drinking ginger shots. In fact, one of Vogue's contributors, Maria Goldbach, once shared her experience of regularly consuming this ginger drink. According to Goldbach, she initially consumed this drink because she felt she was going to get sick. However, after experiencing the many benefits of ginger shots, she routinely consumes them every day. But, what exactly is a ginger shot?
Ginger shot is a concentrated drink made from fresh ginger that is generally consumed in small portions of approximately 30 ml. This drink is often added with ingredients such as lemon, honey, turmeric, or other spices to enrich its taste and health benefits. Although it has only recently become popular, ginger drinks have actually been part of herbal medicine traditions in various cultures for thousands of years. Ginger is often used to treat various health problems such as nausea, inflammation, and digestive disorders. Today, ginger shots are often associated with health and fitness trends thanks to their antioxidant content and anti-inflammatory properties. Recipe for making ginger shots at home Making ginger shots at home is quite simple. Here are some variations of the recipe that you can try to make:

Basic ginger shot
You can make a basic ginger shot by mixing 24 grams of finely chopped fresh ginger with a quarter cup of water and the juice of 1 lemon. Next, blend all the ingredients until smooth and strain to get the juice.
Ginger shot with added lemon and turmeric Summarized from Medical News Today, you can also vary this ginger drink by adding lemon and turmeric. The method is to mix one segment of ginger with one lemon and a little turmeric. Cut all the ingredients into small pieces and blend. Then divide into two small glasses for two drinks. You can drink it immediately or freeze it to drink the next day.
In addition to variations with turmeric, you can also add ingredients such as honey, fruits, vegetables, or other spices to provide additional flavor and health benefits.

Benefits of drinking ginger shots every day
Ginger contains many bioactive compounds that are beneficial to health, such as gingerol, shogaol, paradol, and zingerone. These compounds have strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, consuming ginger shots has several benefits such as increasing immunity, overcoming digestive disorders, maintaining weight, and reducing pain. Here are some brief explanations.

1. Increasing body immunity
Ginger is a food ingredient that is high in antioxidants. This makes ginger shots a drink that can increase the body's immune system. An animal study published in The Journal of Contemporary Dental Practice in 2017 showed that several ingredients in ginger shots such as ginger, lemon, and honey have anti-microbial effects against Streptococcus bacteria. Another study in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology in 2013 found that routinely consuming fresh ginger can help fight viruses that attack the human respiratory tract.

2. Healthy digestion
Ginger can help relieve digestive problems, such as bloating and nausea. This is shown in a study published in 2018 in the journal Food Science and Nutrition. This research found that consuming ginger can help move food in the stomach, smooth digestion, reduce bloating, and relieve stomach cramps. Similar benefits were also found in another study in the journal Nursing and Midwifery Studies in 2014 which observed 120 pregnant women.
The results of the study showed that consuming 750 mg of ginger daily for 4 days significantly reduced nausea and vomiting.

3. Controlling weight
In a 2019 clinical review in the journal Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, it was found that regular consumption of ginger can reduce body weight and waist-to-hip ratio, an indicator of fat around the waist. These results were also confirmed by another study in 2020 in the journal Foods. This study found that in mice given ginger water, it had the effect of reducing weight and increasing nutrient metabolism.
Although ginger water is different from ginger shot, both are quite similar. This proves that consuming ginger shot can prevent obesity and control body weight in humans.

4. Maintain heart health
Ginger has content that can help control blood pressure.Research in the Iran Journal Basic Medical Sciences in 2022 found that consuming ginger can help increase vasodilation (opening and widening of blood vessels for better blood flow) and regulate sodium levels. Not only controlling blood pressure, ginger is also known to have benefits for maintaining cholesterol levels. Research in the International Journal of Cancer Management in 2015 found that ginger supplementation was associated with decreased levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) and increased good cholesterol (HDL). Both of these can help maintain heart health.

5. Reduces muscle and joint pain
Ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, especially due to its gingerol and shogaol compounds, which can block pathways in the body that are associated with inflammation. As we know, excessive inflammation can cause pain or soreness. A clinical trial published in 2020 in Phytotherapy Research showed that consuming ginger can help relieve muscle pain after exercise.Consuming 2 grams of raw or heated ginger daily can reduce inflammation due to muscle wear and tear, while 4 grams of ginger supplements can speed muscle recovery after intense exercise. Another study in the journal Molecules in 2022 showed that ginger can help relieve symptoms of arthritis, which is often worsened by inflammation.

Side effects of consuming ginger shots
Quoted from Health.com, although generally safe to consume, there are some side effects of ginger shots that you need to pay attention to.

Digestive disorders.Consuming large amounts of ginger can cause stomach upset and acid reflux. The recommended daily dose is a maximum of 4 grams.

Allergic reactions: Although rare, a certain enzyme found in ginger (cysteine ​​proteinase GP-1) can trigger allergic reactions in some people.

Interactions with blood thinners. Ginger is not recommended to be taken with blood thinners such as Coumadin (warfarin) because it can increase the risk of bleeding.

Hypoglycemia. Ginger can increase the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) when taken with certain diabetes medications.

If you are taking certain medications, you should consult your doctor before taking ginger shots regularly.