Ginger ale is the new entry on the menu card of many cafes and restaurants, and the whole world is going gaga about the same. But is it worth the hype?
Read below to know everything about this new drink!
What is Ginger Ale?Â
Ginger ale is a carbonated soft drink infused or flavored with ginger. It is mostly drunk as a refreshing soda. Some people also use this ale as a mixer in alcoholic beverages or cocktails. As the name suggests, the protagonist of this ingredient is ginger which has many health benefits, especially for your gut.
Interestingly, some ginger ales do not comprise ginger at all. They contain high fructose corn syrup, colors, and sodium benzoate to protect and enhance their flavor.
How Nutritious is Ginger Ale?Â
You may find ginger ale in many brand names, all of which compose nutrients in varying amounts. Ginger ale comprises nutrients like sodium, carbohydrates, and sugars. Many of them do not include fat or protein. A 355-millimeter of this drink has 138 calories.
Is Ginger Ale Healthy?Â
Ginger ale is loaded with many benefits, and incorporating this drink into your daily diet will improve your health.
No More NauseaÂ
Ginger ale is considered the finest remedy for nausea. It helps settle digestive discomfort. Many ginger ales contain ginger root which removes bloating and nausea. Even if the drink doesn’t have ginger, the carbonated effect helps calm your stomach.
Get Rid of Morning SicknessÂ
Morning sickness is real, and many pregnant ladies fall prey to the same. Drinking ginger ale soda is one of the best remedies to reduce nausea and other discomforts in expecting mothers.
Management of Headaches and MigrainesÂ
According to a recent study, people who experience frequent episodes of migraine are believed to be benefitted from the consumption of ginger ale. Adding this drink reduces your reliance on medication and its side effects.
Say Good-Bye To Chronic PainÂ
You may consume ginger ale timely and get rid of chronic pain. Some studies have connected ginger with the reduction of pain in different areas. For instance, if you are suffering from osteoarthritis, ginger ale is one of the finest products to drink. Ginger ale is also helpful in relieving pain arising out of menstruation.
No More InflammationÂ
Ginger ale comprises anti-inflammatory properties which treat inflammation caused in your muscles, joints, and nerves. Consuming ginger ale made using sugar alternatives protects the effect of this property of the drink.
Many Antioxidant EffectsÂ
Ginger ale is full of antioxidants that are helpful in the overall wellness of your system. The antioxidant content of this drink improves immunity and keeps allergies and infections at bay.
Free From CaffeineÂ
Too much caffeine may harm your body in many ways. The good news is that ginger ale doesn’t comprise caffeine. Thus, it makes this drink a better option over other beverages such as coffee and tea.
What are the Different Types of Ginger Ale?Â
There is not one but many types of ginger ale sold by many brands and manufacturers. You may choose the preferred one from the following options.
Regular Ginger AleÂ
Regular ginger ale is a broad term used to describe commercial soft drinks and traditional drinks. They include varying amounts of fresh ginger root; however, differ when it comes to other ingredients. Many brands use the components like carbonated water, high fructose corn syrup, flavorings, and other preservatives.
The traditional ginger ale is a healthier alternative as it includes real ginger without additives.
Diet Ginger AleÂ
If you do not want to consume sugar in high amounts but still want to savor the taste of this beverage, diet ginger ale is the best option to drink. This ginger ale contains zero amount of sugar. On the contrary, it has artificial sweeteners. It also comprises ginger flavor and carbonated water.
Dry Ginger AleÂ
Dry ginger ale has become a marketing strategy for many manufacturers to sell a spicier drink. It requires sourcing the ginger root in a specific manner to make the drink drier than commercial ginger ales. Some brands also include artificial ginger flavor to add more spice to the beverage.
The dry ginger flavor provides a spicy taste to the drink. This version of ginger ale is effective in managing morning sickness.
Can I Make Ginger Ale at Home?Â
Ginger ale has many health benefits. If you do not want to buy one from the market, you can make it at home. The process is hassle-free. Here are the ingredients that to use.
- Four cups of water
- Two cups of peeled and chopped fresh ginger
- Lemon peel (yellow parts)
- One and a half cups of granulated sugar
- Three quarts of soda.
MethodÂ
Mix all the ingredients except sugar and soda and add them to a saucepan. Heat the mixture to boil over high heat. Reduce to heat, cover, and simmer for ten minutes. Now, pour in the sugar and stir the mixture constantly so that it boils and gets reduced to three cups.
Place a fine-mesh strainer over the bowl and separate the solids from the liquids by adding the ginger syrup. You may discard the peel in the process. Cool the syrup completely before transferring it into a glass container. Seal the lid tightly and chill it for an hour.
You can now prepare each serving by mixing one-fourth cup of ginger simple syrup with a cup of soda. Pour some ice and sweeten accordingly. Your ginger ale is ready to drink.
Buying Tips for Ginger AleÂ
- Always go with a good brand name. Research the brand in detail before buying from them.
- Ginger ale made using fresh ginger roots is more beneficial than artificial ones. Thus, check its ingredients in detail.
- Avoid buying this product if it comprises flavors and colorings or high sugar/fructose corn syrup.
- Dot not consume ginger ale in high doses as it may harm your health.
Ginger ale is a healthy drink, safe for consumption by all adults. The antioxidant effect of this drink flushes toxins from your body. But beware, when consumed in high amounts, it may lead to bloating, inflammation, and diarrhea.
Would you like to make your ginger ale at home or buy it from the market? Tell us in the comments below.
