Lemon and ginger shots have become a popular health drink in recent years. Some people swear by starting their day with a lemon ginger shot, claiming it provides a burst of nutrients and energy. But are these tangy shots all they’re cracked up to be? Let’s take a closer look at the potential benefits and downsides of regularly drinking lemon ginger shots.
What’s in a lemon ginger shot?
A basic lemon ginger shot contains two main ingredients:
- Lemon juice – Provides vitamin C, antioxidants, and electrolytes.
- Grated ginger – Contains anti-inflammatory compounds like gingerol.
Some recipes also include:
- Cayenne pepper – Adds heat and may boost metabolism.
- Honey or maple syrup – Sweetens the shot.
- Apple cider vinegar – Adds probiotics.
- Turmeric – Anti-inflammatory similar to ginger.
Potential benefits of lemon ginger shots
Here are some of the touted benefits of starting your day with a lemon ginger shot:
Vitamin C
Lemon juice contains high levels of vitamin C, an essential nutrient with antioxidant properties. One ounce of lemon juice provides about 12% of your daily vitamin C needs.
Anti-inflammatory
Ginger contains compounds like gingerol that are known to have anti-inflammatory effects in the body. This may help reduce joint pain or muscle soreness.
Immune system support
The vitamin C and antioxidants in lemon juice plus the antimicrobial effects of ginger may provide a small boost to immune function.
Energy boost
Some people claim that lemon ginger shots give them more energy and improve alertness, potentially due to ingredients like vitamin C, amino acids, and spices.
Better digestion
Ginger can help stimulate digestion and has been used for centuries to help relieve nausea, constipation, bloating, and gas. The citric acid in lemons may also help digestion.
Detoxification
Some advocates say daily lemon shots help detoxify the body and stimulate the liver. The vitamin C may support liver detox but more research is needed.
Potential downsides of lemon ginger shots
Lemon ginger shots may offer benefits, but there are also some potential downsides to consider:
Blood sugar spikes
The natural sugars in lemon juice can spike blood sugar levels. This may be problematic for diabetics or prediabetics.
Tooth enamel erosion
Frequent exposure to acidic drinks like lemon juice can erode tooth enamel over time. Swishing with water after taking the shot may help reduce this effect.
Heartburn
The acids in lemon and ginger can trigger heartburn in some people, especially if you already suffer from acid reflux.
Drug interactions
Ginger may increase bleeding risk for those on blood thinners like warfarin. Large amounts of vitamin C may also interact with some medications.
Not a cure-all
While lemon ginger shots have many benefits, they shouldn’t be viewed as a magic bullet for health and are not a substitute for eating well and exercising.
How to take lemon ginger shots
If you want to give lemon ginger shots a try, here are some tips:
- Drink first thing in the morning on an empty stomach.
- Use fresh lemon juice and grated ginger root whenever possible.
- Start with a half or whole lemon and one teaspoon grated ginger.
- Add honey, maple syrup, cayenne, turmeric or ACV to suit your tastes.
- Mix ingredients in a cup or blender and pour into a shot glass.
- Drink the shot quickly followed by water.
- Start slow – try taking 3-4 shots per week and see how you feel.
The bottom line
When consumed in moderation as part of a healthy lifestyle, lemon ginger shots may provide a range of benefits from vitamin C to anti-inflammatory effects. However, they also contain acids that can damage tooth enamel and affect blood sugar. Speak to your doctor, especially if you take medications or have diabetes.
Overall, lemon ginger shots are safe for most people when consumed occasionally. Pay attention to your body’s response. And as with any supplement or food trend, make sure your habits align with your healthcare provider’s guidance.
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References
Here are some references used to research this article:
- Axe, J. (2020). 6 Powerful Benefits of Lemon Ginger Tea. https://draxe.com/nutrition/benefits-of-lemon-ginger-tea/
- Chattopadhyay, M. (2019). Ginger & its Components: Role in Prevention and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Cancer. Gastroenterology, 156(6), 1668-1680. https://doi.org/10.1053/j.gastro.2018.12.039
- Kato, A., Miura, N., & Fukushima, M. (2019). Effectiveness of lemon-ginger beverages on blood pressure and serum lipid in Japanese male workers. Plant foods for human nutrition, 74(3), 337–342. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11130-019-00750-z
- Murray, M. T., Pizzorno, J. E., & Pizzorno, L. (2021). The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods. Atria Books.
- Schulz, M. (2019). Ginger and Lemon: A Dynamic Duo. https://foodrevolution.org/blog/ginger-and-lemon-benefits/
