Whether you are a ginger ale fan or not, there are a few benefits you should know about this drink. Some of them include the ability to prevent seasickness, treat respiratory problems, dissolve kidney stones, and even help alleviate inflammation in the throat.
Side effects of carbonation
Despite its health benefits, ginger ale has many side effects that you should be aware of. Carbonation and high levels of sugar in the beverage are known to cause a variety of unpleasant side effects, from increased bloating to stomach upset.
Some popular brands contain sodium benzoate, a food preservative that may cause inflammation in some people. Other ingredients include high fructose corn syrup and added coloring. While most ginger ales are safe in moderation, you should read the nutritional label before you purchase a bottle.
Another concern with carbonated beverages is the potential for stomach lining rupture, which can lead to bad loose motions and electrolyte loss. In addition to causing acid reflux, CO2 bubbles in the stomach can increase pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter. This can lead to GERD complications, such as esophageal erosion and damage.
Because of the high level of sugar in ginger ales, the risk of cavities and tooth erosion is higher. If you are concerned about this, try to find a sugar-free version.
One of the best alternative beverages to ginger ale is seltzer water. It is simple, refreshing and healthy. You can add fruit to it for a more fruity flavor.
Natural remedy for throat inflammation
Using ginger as a natural remedy for throat inflammation is an effective way to relieve the symptoms of a sore throat. Its medicinal properties are known to combat viruses and bacteria. However, more controlled studies are needed to determine the role of ginger in preventing sore throats.
Ginger is a powerful antibacterial and antioxidant agent. Its bioactive compounds, shogaols and gingerols, have been shown to have a positive effect on the health of the body.
Another option is to drink hot ginger tea. Mix two teaspoons of dry ginger in a cup of water and simmer for five minutes. You can also add one tablespoon of honey to the mixture. If you prefer, you can also use lemon juice. It has Vitamin C, which helps to boost your immune system.
Peppermint is another great choice for a natural sore throat treatment. Its cooling effects are attributed to menthol. It can be used as a mouthwash, as a spray, or as a lozenge.
Apple cider vinegar is a common remedy for a sore throat. It contains acetic acid, which has antibacterial properties. The vinegar should be diluted with water before being consumed.
Treats respiratory problems
Using ginger to improve your lung capacity is a no brainer. Drinking ginger in moderation is the right way to go. This has a number of benefits: It helps boost your immune system, improves your sleep, and reduces the chances of colds and flus. It may even be a good fit into your overall healthy diet. Taking it in moderation will make you feel great and help prevent those pesky colds and flus from zapping your productivity and your wallet. It might also be the best way to help your kids fight off the colds and flus of their own makings. Taking ginger as part of your morning or bedtime routine is a savvy move. After all, it is a time to recoup from a long night of partying.
Dissolves kidney stones
Using a natural ginger ale to dissolve kidney stones may be a good option. The National Kidney Foundation estimates that one in ten people will experience kidney stones at some point in their lives. It’s important to discuss the symptoms and treatment options with your doctor, and to follow his or her instructions until the stone is gone.
The best way to prevent kidney stones is to drink lots of water. In fact, current guidelines suggest drinking two and a half to three liters of fluids daily. However, the risk of stone formation increases when people drink less than this amount.
Another good option is to drink celery juice. It is thought to flush out calcium and struvite stones. It’s easy to make and is believed to reduce the risk of stone formation.
In addition, it contains a chemical called citrate, which is known to inhibit the formation of calcium oxalate stones. It’s also a diuretic, meaning it helps the kidneys produce urine.
The acetic acid found in apple cider vinegar is thought to lower the risk of stone formation. It also breaks down some stones, reducing their size.
Prevents seasickness
Taking a ginger ale may help prevent seasickness. This herb has been known for centuries as a remedy for nausea and upset stomach.
It is considered to be an inexpensive and effective remedy for this condition. It is also gentle enough to be used by older adults or children.
The best way to use ginger is to take a couple of small doses before boarding your ship. Then, continue to take it throughout your trip. If you have a longer journey, you should start about 24 hours in advance.
The key to preventing seasickness is to find the dosage that works for you. It’s important to follow the instructions on your packet.
In addition to helping with seasickness, ginger has a long list of other health benefits. It’s been proven to help prevent morning sickness in pregnant women. It can also ease stomach cramps and colic. Lastly, it can relieve arthritis symptoms.
Using ginger has many different forms, and it’s available at most grocery stores. You can make a tea with the root or drink it as is.
High in sugar
Despite the high sugar content in ginger ale, there are many health benefits. Its antioxidant properties and essential oils may help reduce the symptoms of indigestion and flatulence. Its anti-inflammatory properties may also help soothe migraines and pain.
The benefits of ginger can be attributed to a variety of phenolic compounds and zingiberene. Studies have shown that its consumption can stimulate digestive enzyme production, and help relieve stomach problems. Its antihyperlipidemia effects are believed to be linked to its cardioprotective properties.
While it may offer some health benefits, too much of it can have adverse consequences. The high sugar content in ginger ale is a risk factor for dehydration. It can also exacerbate diarrhea.
If you are looking to drink ginger ale, it is best to read the ingredients before buying. There are several commercial brands that use additives such as artificial coloring to enhance the flavor. Some of the most popular brands have no real ginger in them at all.
The American Heart Association recommends that men consume 9 teaspoons of added sugar a day, while women should consume six teaspoons.
Avoid artificial sweeteners
Unless you’re diabetic, you should avoid artificial sweeteners when drinking ginger ale. This is because they’ve been linked to several negative health effects.
Specifically, these sweeteners can interfere with your insulin sensitivity and hormones that control your appetite. They may also cause weight gain. And in some cases, they can cause heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.
A recent research review reviewed 56 studies that examined the health effects of nonnutritive sweeteners. Some of the compounds were found to promote cancer, increase the risk of birth defects, and increase the risk of obesity.
Other compounds, such as sucralose, can elevate blood sugar levels when carbohydrates are consumed later. And sodium benzoate, a food preservative, may cause inflammation in large amounts.
Other negative effects include gassiness and bloating. However, the drink is safe in moderation for most people.
There are a number of healthier alternatives to sodas and carbonated drinks. For instance, you can make your own lemon-lime soda. It’s very simple. Simply add a little flavor to sparkling water.
You can also use ginger as a substitute for artificial sweeteners. It has a long history of medicinal uses, including being an effective digestive aid.
Make your own
Adding ginger ale to a cocktail is an easy way to curb your cravings for unhealthy drinks. The fresh ginger in homemade ginger ale makes it taste different than the store bought version. It also contains enzymes and probiotics, which are beneficial for your digestive system.
You can make your own ginger ale by boiling fresh ginger root with water. After the root has steeped, you can strain the liquid through a fine mesh strainer.
After you have strained the liquid, you can mix it with lemon juice or club soda. You can store the finished product in the refrigerator.
If you would like to make it a bit more special, you can add a few spices to the ginger syrup. You can then package it in pretty glass bottles for a festive gift.
Another interesting fact about ginger simple syrup is that it is used to make many spiked drinks. You can serve the syrup in a Moscow mule or in a German Jagermeister cocktail. You can also add it to glazes, dressings, or iced tea.