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Is ginger root good for juicing?

Ginger root is well known for its potential health benefits, including its anti-inflammatory effects and ability to aid digestion. Some people add ginger root to their vegetable and fruit juices for these reasons. But is ginger root actually a good ingredient for juicing? Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons.

Pros of Juicing with Ginger Root

Here are some potential benefits of adding ginger root to your juices:

  • Provides anti-inflammatory compounds – Ginger contains gingerols, shogaols, and paradols, which are compounds that have demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties in studies. Chronic inflammation is linked to many diseases.
  • May help reduce muscle pain – Some research has found ginger can reduce exercise-induced muscle pain when consumed before working out.
  • Aids digestion – Ginger has long been used as a home remedy for digestive issues. Studies confirm ginger can help relieve nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and other GI issues.
  • Boosts immunity – Ginger contains antimicrobial compounds shown to inhibit growth and activity of some bacteria, viruses, and fungi. This can strengthen immune system function.
  • Increases antioxidant intake – Ginger root is high in antioxidants, which are beneficial plant compounds that help protect cells from damage.

Potential Downsides of Ginger Root in Juice

While ginger root offers some advantages, there are also a few potential downsides to consider:

  • May irritate mouth or throat – Ginger’s spicy, pungent compounds may irritate sensitive mouths or throats when consumed in concentrated juice form.
  • Could mask flavors of other produce – The strong flavor of ginger may overpower more delicate flavors of fruits and veggies in juice blends.
  • Possible medication interactions – Ginger could potentially interact with blood thinners and medications for diabetes and high blood pressure.
  • May cause heartburn – Although ginger aids many types of digestive woes, some report it exacerbates heartburn or reflux.
  • Contains carbohydrates – Ginger root contains about 17 grams of carbs per 100 gram serving. People limiting carbohydrates may want to use ginger sparingly.

How Much Ginger Root to Use for Juicing

When adding ginger root to juices, moderation is key. Here are some general guidelines on how much to use:

  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated – This small amount provides a subtle kick of flavor and potential benefits.
  • 1 tablespoon freshly grated – This moderately spicy dose is common in many ginger juice recipes.
  • 1 inch knob, chopped or grated – For strong, concentrated ginger flavor and health effects.

Start with smaller amounts of ginger to test your tolerance. You can gradually increase the quantity and work up to 1 inch knobs in juices if desired and tolerated. But more than 1 inch of ginger root in a single serving of juice may be excessive for many people.

Best Fruits and Vegetables to Juice with Ginger

Here are some of the top choices for produce to pair with ginger root in juices:

  • Apples – Apples have a sweet, mellow flavor that complements spicy ginger nicely. They also add fiber and antioxidants.
  • Carrots – Carrot juice is already antioxidant-rich and has an earthy sweetness that balances strong ginger.
  • Citrus fruits – Oranges, grapefruit, lemons, and limes offer vitamin C. Their tartness contrasts with ginger’s heat.
  • Cucumbers – Cool, refreshing cucumber juice helps tame gingers bite. It also provides hydration.
  • Pears – Like apples, pears contain fiber and antioxidants while also blending well with ginger’s punch.
  • Tomatoes – Tomato juice has savory umami flavors that mingle with ginger’s pungency.
  • Beets – Beets offer an earthy sweetness and nutritional perks that pair nicely with spicy ginger juice.
  • Leafy greens – Spinach, kale, chard, or other greens add nutrients and a fresh, plant-based flavor.

Ginger Juice Recipes

Here are a few tasty juice recipes that incorporate ginger root:

Citrus Ginger Zinger

  • 1 inch ginger root, grated
  • 1 grapefruit, peeled
  • 2 oranges, peeled
  • 1 lemon, peeled

Green Ginger Juice

  • 1-inch ginger root, chopped
  • 1 green apple, cored
  • 1 cucumber
  • 5 leaves kale
  • 1 celery stalk

Carrot Apple Ginger Juice

  • 1 inch ginger root, grated
  • 3 carrots, chopped
  • 1 green apple, cored
  • 1⁄2 lemon, peeled

Run all ingredients from recipes through a juicer according to manufacturer’s directions. Stir or shake juice well before drinking.

Tips for Juicing with Ginger Root

Here are some tips to get the most out of using ginger root in juices:

  • Use fresh ginger – Fresh ginger root contains the most gingerol, shogaol, and other beneficial compounds.
  • Peel thick skin – Removing tough outer skin exposes ginger flesh and flavor.
  • Grate, mince, chop – Cutting ginger into smaller pieces allows more surface area exposure for juicing.
  • Squeeze – Roll grated ginger in cheesecloth and squeeze over juice to extract more liquid.
  • Go easy at first – Until you know your tolerance, start with small ginger amounts and work up.
  • Combine with fruits – Blending ginger with fruits like apple, pear, citrus helps mellow its bite.

Potential Health Benefits

Here is a more in-depth look at some of ginger’s top potential wellness benefits when consumed in juice or other forms:

Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Chronic inflammation is associated with many illnesses, including arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and autoimmune disorders. The antioxidants and other compounds found in ginger exhibit anti-inflammatory responses in the body, which may help lower inflammation.

In one study, people with osteoarthritis who took ginger supplements for 6 weeks and 8 weeks experienced reduced pain and disability compared to placebo. Ginger has also been found in studies to reduce inflammatory markers in individuals with diabetes and heart disease.

Nausea Relief

Ginger has long been used as a natural remedy for nausea, motion sickness, morning sickness, and other stomach upsets. The exact anti-nausea mechanisms aren’t fully understood, but ginger is thought to act directly on the gastrointestinal system.

Studies show taking ginger is effective for relieving nausea related to pregnancy, chemotherapy, and seasickness. Consuming ginger before air travel could help prevent air sickness.

Digestive Tract Benefits

Ginger promotes the production of saliva, bile, and gastric juices. This aids the digestion process and helps maintain gut health and motility. Ginger also has carminative effects, which means it helps relax the intestinal tract and release trapped gas.

Studies demonstrate ginger can shorten periods of diarrhea and reduce symptoms like cramps and discomfort. At the same time, it may also help relieve constipation.

Heart Health

Ginger contains compounds that help thin the blood, reduce cholesterol levels, and lower blood pressure. Thinner blood with improved circulation reduces the risk of blood clots and heart attacks. Lower cholesterol and blood pressure also support cardiovascular health.

Human studies have found daily ginger supplementation significantly decreases triglyceride and LDL cholesterol levels. Ginger’s anti-inflammatory effects also benefit the heart and vascular system.

Possible Side Effects and Precautions

When used in moderation, ginger is considered very safe for most people. But there are some possible side effects and precautions to be aware of.

  • Heartburn – While it helps many types of digestive issues, ginger may worsen heartburn for some people. It’s best to avoid large doses if you have reflux issues.
  • Mouth/throat irritation – Ginger’s pungency may irritate sensitive mouths, gums, and throats, especially when consumed in strong juices.
  • Drug interactions – Ginger may increase effects of anticoagulant, antihypertensive, and diabetic medications. Speak to your doctor if taking these.
  • Bleeding disorders – High ginger doses could raise risk of bruising and bleeding due to thinning blood. Avoid large amounts if you have a bleeding disorder.
  • Pregnancy – Ginger is considered safe for nausea during pregnancy when used in normal food amounts. But speak to your OB-GYN before supplementing with higher doses.

Ginger allergies are also possible, although much less common than allergies to foods like peanuts or shellfish. Discontinue use if any signs of an allergic reaction occur.

Conclusion

Ginger root is an excellent addition to fruit and vegetable juices. It provides anti-inflammatory compounds, antioxidants, and other beneficial nutrients. A teaspoon or tablespoon of freshly grated ginger can add a little kick along with potential health benefits to juice blends.

When making ginger juice or choosing store-bought blends, moderate ginger amounts are best. Consuming very high doses, especially on a regular basis, is more likely to cause side effects. Combining ginger with fruits like apples, pears, and citrus can help mellow its bite.

Drink ginger juices in moderation as part of an overall healthy diet and lifestyle to take advantage of its unique flavors and nutrients. But be sure to watch for any unwanted side effects.