Sippin' on Gin(ger) Juice

I never understood why people make so much fun of ginger.  Aside from being my favorite part of eating sushi, its loaded with myriad benefits that almost seem too good to be true.  So good, in fact, that we use it in not one, but two of our shots.  Let's take a closer look at how and why this plant has become a go-to ingredient for so many people.  

First things first, we need to talk about what ginger actually is.  In its natural form, ginger is a flowering plant native to Asia.  The spice with which most people are familiar comes from the root of this plant, called the rhizome.  But make no mistake, this little root packs a serious punch when it comes to taste and health benefits.  Ginger and turmeric are actually in the same family of plants, making them the Venus and Serena Williams of superfoods.  

Gingerol is the main bioactive compound found in ginger, and is the root (pun intended) of most of the medicinal properties associated with it.  Most notably, gingerol is shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.  This can assist your body in reducing oxidative stress, which occurs when there is an excessive amount of free radicals in the body.  

Ginger is also highly effective in relieving nausea and improving digestion.  Many people who are experiencing chronic indigestion turn to ginger to speed up the emptying of the stomach, which in turn alleviates the indigestion. Now I know why my mom always gave me ginger ale when I had a tummy ache.  Combine ginger with Apple Cider Vinegar (like in our ACV + Ginger & Lemon Wellness Shot), and you've got the ultimate combination for optimal gut health.

There are numerous other benefits of ginger that we could talk about--like fighting infections, lowering blood sugar, and relieving joint pain, to name a few--but the bottom line is:  if you're not consuming ginger in some way shape or form, you're missing out.  Bonus points if you're consuming it in a Favor shot.