Ginger ale is a type of soda that consists of ginger. It is generally consumed by people to reduce nausea but is also savored as a daily beverage. Many people believe that ginger ale helps in fighting dehydration but is it true?
Does Ginger Ale Rehydrate?
Let us find out in this article.
What is Ginger Ale?
Ginger ale is a type of carbonated drink composed of ginger. It is consumed as it is or mixed with other drinks.
It is made by mixing sugar with carbonated water. Either natural ginger or artificial ginger flavor is added to it. To increase the shelf life of the ginger ale, preservatives like sodium benzoate and citric acid are added to it. Many brands prefer to keep their ingredients private.
Organic ginger ale is made of yeast cultures and it is called a ginger bug. It is taken from the roots of fresh ginger and allowed to undergo fermentation. Microbial growth leads to natural carbonation.
Does Ginger Ale Hydrate You?
Ginger-ale lacks electrolytes, it is not the best way to rehydrate yourself, although ginger can help with nausea, this is essentially sugar water, with a high glycemic index, far more than is necessary for rehydration, and thus no electrolytes to talk about. So although this may be fine for settling your stomach, it’s not ideal for rehydrating.
Several everyday drinks that have been well-created to fit up with WHO criteria for diverse ingredients can be found in the pharmacy section. In most formulae, there is ginger flavor, but only a small amount of genuine ginger.
Even if you spent a lot of money on a drink with a lot of ginger, there’s no research or reason to believe it would help you rehydrate faster. Water, consumed with meals, is the ideal option for rehydrating because it contains fluids, electrolytes, and macronutrients that may be customized to any health condition.
However, you can try out homemade fresh ginger ale to refresh yourself on a hot summer day.
But plain water may always not be enough for hydration, especially after a bout of illness or post a heavy workout. So what other options do you have apart from ginger ale and plain water? Electrolyte drinks could be a great alternative. These are specially formulated with various electrolytes and minerals to provide for instant hydration. Healthysrtipe’s electrolyte powder is one such product that you may depend on for your hydration needs. It contains all the essential electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, magnesium etc. and also a bunch of other vital minerals and vitamins. So the next time you need hydration, consider reaching out for an electrolyte drink.
What are the uses of Ginger Ale?
Although ginger ale does not have any proven health benefits, some properties of the ginger root can be helpful if it is made organically.
Ginger root has a number of potential health benefits especially in association with good digestion. [1] Ginger root is not just medicinally beneficial but also an excellent flavoring.
Also Read: ORS: What is it, Usage, Benefits, Side Effects
The Potential Benefits of Ginger include:
Relieves nausea
Consumption of ginger can help in alleviating nausea due to flu, indigestion, or pregnancy. This is mainly due to the presence of polyphenols in ginger like shogaols and gingerols. However, these effects are observed in ginger, not ginger-ale. [2]
Antioxidant properties
Ginger is a powerhouse of antioxidants. The antioxidants present in ginger help in preventing cell damage thereby protecting the body from various diseases. The antioxidant efficacy reduces with processing. (3)
May help with migraines
A study found out that ginger in low doses can be beneficial in treating migraines. Ginger powder in the form of a supplement can provide quick relief against the symptoms of migraine.
May reduce inflammation
Ginger consists of natural compounds that can help in reducing inflammation of the joints. It is very effective in treating inflammation in other organs of the body. [4]
Also Read: Post Workout Nutrition: A Complete Guide
Homemade fresh Ginger Ale recipe
Homemade fresh ginger-ale is any day better than packaged ginger-ale that is loaded with sugar. Here is a simple recipe that you can use to make ginger-ale at home.
Ingredients
- 4 cups water
- 2 cups peeled and chopped fresh ginger
- 3 strips lemon peel, about 4 inches each
- 1 1/2 cups granulated/powdered sugar
- 3 quarts club soda, chilled
Method
- Mix the water, ginger, and lemon peel in a saucepan. Over moderate heat, bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and cook, uninterrupted, for about 10 minutes.
- Add sugar and let it boil, stirring frequently until the liquid is decreased to 3 cups (about 15 minutes). Place a thin wire strainer over a large mixing bowl.
- To extract the particles from the liquids, pour in the ginger syrup. The lemon peel should be discarded.
- Allow it cool completely before putting it into a glass jar. Chill for at least 1 hour, or until completely cold. You may also keep it in the fridge for up to one week.
- Pour 1/4 cup ginger syrup and 1 cup cold club soda each serving over ice when ready to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I hydrate with ginger ale?
Ginger ale lacks electrolytes and is loaded with sugar. It can help in relieving nausea since it contains soda, however, it may not be the best option to hydrate yourself.
Is ginger ale drink well for you?
Despite the health advantages of ginger, ginger ale is classified as a sugary drink or a soda and hence is not considered a healthy food. If you want to drink ginger ale, you should do it in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Artificial ginger flavoring is used in many commercial ginger ale products.
Is it OK to drink ginger ale every day?
Although ginger ale provides a number of health benefits, it also has a number of negative side effects. As a result, several experts advise against drinking this ginger-infused beverage on a regular basis.
Is ginger ale better than soda?
Contrary to popular opinion, ginger ale is a fizzy drink that belongs in the soda or soft drink category. Ginger ale, on the other hand, is frequently regarded as a healthier option to other sodas because it generally does not have as much unwanted baggage as other popular sodas.
Does ginger ale help an upset stomach?
Ginger ale helps in alleviating nausea due to an upset stomach however it is not the best option to help an upset stomach. It contains excessive sugar and artificial flavoring. For an upset stomach, natural ginger roots work the best.
Although ginger-ale can be consumed as a refreshing drink, it does not help with dehydration due to the lack of electrolytes in it. It contains excessive amounts of sugar that can affect digestive and heart health in the long run. Homemade ginger-ale however can be used as an evening beverage on hot days.
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