How is ginger ale good for you

However, a more traditional style of ginger ale is available in certain stores and online. This style is made with either yeast or ginger bug as a microbial starter culture. As it ferments, beneficial bacteria and yeasts grow and produce natural carbonation.

This traditionally prepared ginger ale also tends to contain more natural ingredients, such as cane sugar, fresh ginger root, and water, and not to include artificial colors. Ginger ale is a carbonated beverage made with ginger root and a sweetener. While most commercial ginger ales use high fructose corn syrup and artificial coloring, traditional ginger ale is fermented and tends to contain more natural ingredients.

The best type of ginger ale for you depends primarily on your personal taste and ingredient preferences. Ginger root is the underground stem of the ginger plant. It has a long history of medicinal and health uses, especially related to the digestive system 1 , 2. Powdered ginger root is sold as a dried spice for cooking. Studies have shown that ginger may offer the following health benefits — but these effects apply to ginger itself, not to ginger ale specifically.

Consuming ginger may help relieve upset stomach and nausea related to stomach flu, severe migraines, chemotherapy, or morning sickness in pregnancy. This may be partly due to natural compounds found in ginger, including gingerols and shogaols 1 , 3 , 4 , 5. However, most studies examining the effects of ginger on nausea have used high doses of ginger extract, not ginger ale.

Ginger oil is a natural source of antioxidants, compounds that protect cells from damage that can lead to disease. However, its antioxidant content decreases with processing 6 , 7 , 8. One study found that a mg dose of a ginger powder supplement was as effective as a prescription drug for reducing migraine symptoms.

Another study found that ginger placed under the tongue was also effective 9 , Ginger contains compounds that may have anti-inflammatory effects on the brain and joints 11 , Ginger may help lower high blood pressure, which is a risk factor for heart disease and stroke 13 , Ginger ale is naturally caffeine-free, which may make it a good alternative to cola or other caffeinated beverages Many commercial ginger ale drinks use artificial ginger flavoring.

Some also contain very little ginger and a lot of added sugar. Ginger may have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It may also help with headaches and nausea and provide benefits for heart health. However, many commercial ginger ales contain little ginger and a lot of sugar. In general, ginger ale is safe for most people to consume in moderation. However, you may want to keep the following potential side effects in mind. Ginger ale, on the other hand, contains 3. There are many ginger ale benefits for your health, but you can reduce your sodium and sugar intake by choosing ginger beer instead.

This can help you stay within the daily dose limits for sodium. The American Heart Association recommends getting less than 2, milligrams of sodium a day and notes that an ideal limit is 1, milligrams per day, especially for anyone with high blood pressure.

Read more: Ginger Water Benefits. According to a systematic review of 12 studies published in the March issue of the Nutrition Journal , the health benefits of ginger include its ability to significantly reduce the symptoms of nausea. This systematic review found that ginger is a harmless and potentially effective alternative for pregnant women who experience nausea. A study involving 41 participants with Type 2 diabetes, published in the Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research , showed that consuming 2 grams of ginger powder on a daily basis for 12 weeks had some serious health benefits:.

Begin typing your search term above and press enter to search. Press ESC to cancel. Ben Davis February 14, Is Canada Dry ginger ale healthy? Is it OK to drink ginger ale everyday? Which is worse Coke or ginger ale? Consume it in moderation to enjoy its potential health benefits. Ginger, in its natural form, might have some benefit for cold and flu.

But carbonated ale may not provide relief. Ginger ale may be a healthier choice than other sodas due to some of its healthier ingredients. Homemade ginger ale is ideal. Homemade ginger ale could be ideal if someone is experiencing nausea during pregnancy.

Diet ginger ale contains no sugar. But it may have artificial sweeteners. Information about its safety is limited. Consult your doctor for more information. Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance.

Read our editorial policy to learn more. StyleCraze believes in credibility and giving our readers access to authentic and evidence-based content. Every article goes through multiple reviews to ensure this.

Our stringent editorial guidelines allow us to cite only from reputed research institutions, academic journals, medically established studies, and highly regarded media and news agencies. If there is any lack of sufficient evidence, we make sure we mention it. If you discover any discrepancy in our content, we welcome you to write to us.

Your feedback helps us serve you better and maintain a long-term relationship with the most important people in our business — you. In This Article. Was this article helpful? Yes No. The following two tabs change content below. Aparna Mallampalli. Aparna is a professor-turned-content writer with over 5 years of experience in life sciences.