Is Ginger Ale A Healthy Drink? Benefits, Recipes, And Potential Side Effects

Ginger ale is flavored with ginger (made of ginger and ginger bugs). It is a popular carbonated drink that has been around for a long time. However, ginger ale benefits are becoming more prominent only in the recent times. The beverage seems to have important health benefits, though it has some disadvantages too. You may consume ginger ale as it is or as part of a cocktail. In this article, we will understand more about this beverage in detail. Keep reading.

Know Your Ingredient: Ginger Ale

What Is It?
A light yellow carbonated drink made from fermented water, fresh ginger root, and sugar.

What Are Its Benefits?
It can help with migraine, morning sickness, and digestion.

Who Can Consume It?
Anyone can drink ginger ale except people on blood-thinning medication.

How Often?
You can drink 1 glass of ginger ale daily.

Caution
Excess consumption may cause bloating, diarrhea, weight gain, and gas.

What Is Ginger Ale?

Ginger ale is a popular drink, and there seem to be many doubts regarding this beverage. Is ginger ale a soda? Is ginger ale good for you? Also, what does ginger ale help with, or what are its side effects? Hence, we’ve dedicated the next few sections to clearing all your queries.

Ginger ale is a type of soda infused with the flavor of ginger. This beverage traditionally consists of fresh ginger root, sugar, and other flavorings made with fermented water and microbial cultures (yeast or ginger bugs). Ginger ale uses fermented ginger to make it fizzy and beneficial.

Fresh ginger root containing Lactobacillus bacteria and wild yeast can be used to prepare ginger bugs. Ginger ale does not contain caffeine and can be an ideal beverage for anyone who cannot consume caffeine.

Commercial ginger ales contain carbonated water, sugar or high-fructose corn syrup, and an artificial or natural ginger flavor. Alkaline compounds like sodium bicarbonate are also used to neutralize acidity. Ginger ale may also contain preservatives like citric acid, sodium benzoate, and some coloring agents.

Trivia

For a long time, the term ‘ginger ale’ was more of a colloquial phrase. But, in 1922, the Joint Committee of Definitions and Standards officially recognized ginger ale as a carbonated beverage.

Types Of Ginger Ale

•  Regular: This refers to both the ginger ale soda and the traditional fermented ginger ale.
•  Dry: Dry ginger ale has a spicier or drier ginger flavor due to the way the ginger root is sourced and processed.
•  Diet: This version contains no sugars or high fructose corn syrup. It instead contains artificial sweeteners.

How is ginger ale different from ginger? Let us understand.

Ginger Vs. Ginger Ale

Ginger has been widely used as a culinary and medicinal ingredient while ginger ale is only used as a soda or soft drink. We have listed the nutritional differences between the two (per 100 grams):

* All the listed values of ginger and ginger ale are sourced from USDA.

Trivia

Pharmacist James Vernor was the first person to create his own version of ginger ale in America. It is believed that he left to go fight in the American CIvil War. But, he had left a concoction of ginger, spices, and vanilla in an oak keg. When he returned after four years, he discovered the amazing taste of the drink and went on to start Vernor’s Ginger Ale.

Potential Health Benefits Of Ginger Ale

Here is a detailed list of the overall health benefits of ginger.

1. May Help Treat Nausea

Nausea is typically characterized by an uncomfortable sensation occurring in the throat and epigastrium (upper abdomen) that may lead to vomiting. Some studies suggest that ginger consumption may reduce nausea associated with stomach flu, migraine headaches, chemotherapy, and morning sickness (8). This effect could be attributed to the gingerols and shogaolsⁱ  The pungent element present in ginger with essential anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties. in ginger. The gingerols in fresh and dried ginger rhizomes are the main compounds responsible for their pungent taste. They are known for their medicinal values.

2. May Help Treat Morning Sickness During Pregnancy

Morning sickness is the discomfort associated with pregnancy especially in the first trimester. It is characterized by vomiting, vertigo, and irritability. Research states that ginger may effectively relieve morning sickness (9).

Note: Drink only homemade ginger ale during pregnancy. Avoid store-bought products to prevent side effects.

3. May Aid Digestion

Animal studies show that ginger can effectively stimulate the production of digestive enzymes.

Ginger intake was found to enhance pancreatic lipaseⁱ  A secretion from the pancreas that acts as a digestive enzyme and helps break down the fat in the food. activity. Additionally, ginger intake could also stimulate trypsin and chymotrypsin – two enzymes that play a major role in digestion.

4. May Help Manage Migraine

Another major health benefit of the ginger in ginger ale could be associated with migraine relief. In a study, using ginger in the treatment of migraines had shown a significant beneficial effect (4). However, more research is warranted in this area.

We have discussed the nutritional profile of ginger ale in the following section. Take a look.

5. May Help Manage Rheumatoid Arthritis

Studies

have shown that ginger may effectively help in managing rheumatoid arthritis (5). Ginger could significantly increase the expression of FoxP3 genes and decrease the expression of RORγt and T-bet genes and help manage the condition. However, more research is needed in this aspect.

6. May Exhibit Cardioprotective Effects

Studies

have also shown that ginger can effectively exhibit cardioprotective properties. The cardioprotective action of ginger is believed to be associated with its antihypertensive, anti-hyperlipidemiaⁱ  Agents that reduce high lipid levels in the blood caused by a poor, high-fat diet. It can also be inherited. , and anti-platelet effects (6). More quality studies are needed to better understand the underlying mechanisms.

7. May Relieve Sore Throat

Ginger ale’s anti-inflammatory properties may help ease a sore throat. The shogaol and gingerol in ginger exhibit these anti-inflammatory effects that may help reduce throat inflammation and irritation (7). However, more research is warranted in this regard.

8. May Help Fight A Hangover

Ginger ale may relieve certain hangover symptoms due to its calming effect on the stomach. The carbonation in the ale may help alleviate nausea, while the ginger’s active compounds may help soothe an upset stomach. However, more studies are warranted to support these claims. You may still consume some ginger ale for hangover relief. But ensure you also rest, hydrate yourself, and eat healthy.

Joy, a blogger, recalled drinking ginger ale during her childhood. She calls it an amazing natural remedy for her stomach problems, writing, “When my brother and I were kids, my mom would give us the fizzy ginger ale to help settle an upset stomach. Even as I’ve gotten older, I’ve relied on this remedy from time to time, especially helpful after a fun night of too many beverages (i).”

While the ginger in ginger ale may offer these benefits, they may also depend on the concentration of ginger in the beverage. Hence, consult your doctor to further understand the health benefits of ginger.

We have discussed the nutritional profile of ginger ale in the following section. Take a look.

Nutritional Facts Of Ginger Ale

Ginger ale (100 grams) contains:

•  Calories: 34
•  Fat: 0 g
•  Cholesterol: 0 mg
•  Sodium: 7 mg
•  Potassium: 1 mg
•  Carbohydrate: 9 g
•  Protein: 0 g

*All values are sourced from USDA

Preparing ginger ale at home is easy. Here’s how.

How To Prepare Ginger Ale At Home

What You Need

•  4 cups water
•  2 cups peeled and chopped fresh ginger
•  3 strips lemon peel, about 4 inches each, yellow parts only
•  1 ½ cups granulated sugar
•  3 quarts club soda, chilled

Method

1.  Mix the ingredients, except the sugar and club soda.
2.  Add them to a 4-quart saucepan. Heat the mixture to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes.
3.  Pour in the sugar, stir constantly, and continue boiling until it is reduced to 3 cups (about 15 minutes).
4.  Place a fine-mesh strainer over the bowl. Separate the solids from the liquids by adding ginger syrup. The lemon peel should be discarded.
5.  Let the ginger syrup cool completely before transferring it to a glass container. Make sure the lid is tightly sealed. Chill for at least an hour.
6.  Prepare each serving by mixing ¼ cup of ginger simple syrup with 1 cup of cold club soda. Pour over the ice. You can sweeten it to your taste with further ginger syrup or sugar.

Here are a few other ginger ale recipes you may want to try.

Diet Ginger Ale

Diet ginger ale is similar to regular ginger ale, though it is free from sugar. An artificial sweetener is added in the place of sugar.

What You Need

•  4 cups water
•  1 cup fresh ginger, peeled and roughly chopped
•  1 cup sweetener
•  1 lemon with grated peel

Method

1.  Combine the water, ginger, sweetener, and grated lemon peel in a large saucepan and bring to a boil. Once boiled, turn the heat down and simmer for 20 minutes.
2.  Place in a sealed container, cool completely, and refrigerate for at least two days or longer.
3.  Add lemon juice and stir well. Strain the syrup and discard the solids.
4.  Add 2 to 4 tablespoons of syrup in the glass. Top up with soda water or sparkling water and serve chilled.

Dry Ginger Ale

A spicier ginger flavor is imparted to dry ginger ale by using fresh ginger root.

What You Need

•  1 cup fresh ginger peeled and chopped finely
•  2 cups water
•  ½ a cup raw sugar
•  1 tablespoon dark brown sugar or molasses
•  Lime wedges
•  Soda water or sparkling mineral water
•  Ice

Method

1.  Cook ginger in water with a lid on a small pot. Turn the stove off after reaching a boil. Let the ginger steep for 30 to 60 minutes (depending on how strong you want the ginger flavor).
2.  Return the ginger-spiced water to the pot after straining out the chopped ginger. Add sugar and heat again, stirring until completely dissolved. Turn off the flame and allow the ginger syrup to cool.
3.  Fill a glass with ice. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of ginger syrup, lime juice, and soda water.

Ginger Ale Vs. Ginger Beer

Ginger ale and ginger beer contain ginger. These two drinks, however, do not have the same composition.

When consumed in moderation, ginger ale is generally considered safe for the majority of people. However, you should also consider the following potential side effects.

Possible Side Effects Of Ginger Ale

As with all ingredients, there are potential side effects of ginger as well, which combined with other components of the ale can make its excessive consumption unsafe. Learn more about these ill effects below.

1. May Cause Bloating And Diarrhea

Studies suggests that ingesting more than 6 grams of ginger root may cause diarrhea. Diarrhea and bloating caused due to ginger ale could be due to the carbonation more than the ginger itself. The artificial sweeteners used in diet ginger may also cause bloating.

2. May Increase Inflammation

Ginger ale may have sodium benzoate added as a food preservative to inhibit microbial growth. Studies show that such food additives may cause inflammation in some cases.

3. May Interfere With Blood Clotting

Anecdotal evidence suggests that ginger may slow down the process of blood clotting. Caution is advised if you are taking blood thinners. However, more research is warranted in this regard.

4. May Not Be Good For People With High Sugar

According to a survey conducted on the amount of sugar and calories in carbonated sugar-sweetened beverages (CSSB) sold in UK supermarkets, it was found that each serving of ginger ale contained 96.9 kcal and 22.9 g of free sugars. 36% of the ginger ale samples exceeded the recommended daily limit of 30 grams of free sugars per serving (10). Therefore, if you are someone with diabetes or trying to manage obesity, it is best to consult your healthcare provider to determine how much you can take in a day.

So, is there a healthier version of ginger ale? Let us find that out in the next section.

How To Choose A Healthier Ginger Ale That’s Good For You

Ginger ale is consumed mostly to alleviate nausea and indigestion. However, it should not be consumed in large quantities. Health benefits can be derived from moderate consumption.
Drinking ginger ale made from fresh ginger root has health benefits. Manufacturers label their products with the ingredients used – check it before making a purchase. Avoid ginger ale containing flavorings or colorings agents or high sugar/high fructose corn syrup. The healthiest choice is homemade ginger ale.

Infographic: Ginger Ale Alternatives

Ginger ale is a caffeine-free ginger-flavored soda. The main ingredient is the spice ginger, which has many potential health benefits. However, if you are concerned with added sweeteners or didn’t find this drink suitable, there are many other options.

Check out the infographic below to learn more about ginger ale alternatives.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ginger ale good for your stomach?

Ginger contains a variety of phytochemicals, and it can alleviate nausea and vomiting (11).

Why does ginger ale make you feel better?

Ginger ale contains more ginger and cane sugar. It is effective in providing relief to your upset stomach, combat various stomach problems, and also help relieve cold and flu. These properties help make you feel better.

Which ginger ale has real ginger in it?

Canada Dry ginger ale has real ginger extracts in it.

Illustration: How Good Is Ginger Ale Good For You? Types Benefits And Risks

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Ginger ale is a popular beverage, but how does it really impact your health? Watch this video to uncover interesting facts about the iconic drink.

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Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Karishma ShahIntegrative Health Nutritionist

     

Karishma Shah is an Integrative Health Nutritionist and Holistic Wellness Coach with 3 years of experience. She has an extensive background in clinical nutrition, Ayurveda, and spiritual-mental health. She adopts a multi-disciplinary and wholesome approach to work on the body, mind, and soul and brings about sustainable and long-lasting transformations in her clients.

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Aparna MallampalliHealth & Wellness Writer

 

Aparna is a professor-turned-content writer with over 5 years of experience in life sciences. Her passion for writing and interest in the healthcare and wellness industry pushed her toward a career in content writing. She has a master’s degree in microbiology from Osmania University, Hyderabad, and a diploma in nutrition from Fab Academy.

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Ravi Teja TadimallaCo-Editor-in-Chief

Ravi Teja Tadimalla is a Co-Editor-in-Chief and a published author. He has been in the digital media field for over a decade. He graduated from SRM University, Chennai, and has a Professional Certificate in Food, Nutrition & Research from Wageningen University.

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Sindhu KogantiSenior Health & Wellness Writer

Sindhu Koganti is a Certified Health and Nutrition Life Coach and has over 6 years of experience in writing on health and wellness topics. She has a bachelor’s degree in biotechnology from Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur, and a diploma in nutrition from Fab Academy.

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