What does ginger shot from Jamba do?

Ginger shots have become an increasingly popular health drink in recent years. Jamba Juice, a popular smoothie chain, offers its own version of a ginger shot. But what exactly does drinking a ginger shot from Jamba Juice do for your health?

What is in Jamba’s ginger shot?

Jamba Juice’s ginger shot contains just two main ingredients – ginger and lemon. Each 1.5 oz shot includes:

• Fresh ginger root
• Lemon juice

That’s it! By keeping the ingredient list short, Jamba Juice has focused this shot on delivering the powerful health benefits of ginger.

Potential benefits of ginger shots

Ginger root has been used for centuries in traditional medicine systems. Modern research has now confirmed many of its suspected health benefits:

May reduce nausea

Ginger has long been used as a natural remedy for nausea. Studies show it may help reduce nausea from motion sickness, pregnancy, and chemotherapy treatment when consumed in doses of 1-2 grams per day.

Contains anti-inflammatory compounds

The compounds gingerol and shogaol are responsible for ginger’s pungent taste and aroma. Research indicates these compounds also have potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in the body.

May improve digestion

Ginger promotes the production of saliva, bile, and gastric juices. This can help stimulate digestion. Ginger also appears to have beneficial effects on gut bacteria and may help relieve constipation.

May lower blood sugar and heart disease risk

Studies suggest ginger may help lower blood sugar levels and improve other risk factors for heart disease. More research is still needed to confirm these potential benefits, however.

Other potential benefits being studied

Research on ginger is still emerging. Here are some other potential benefits being explored:

• Anti-cancer effects
• Joint health and reducing inflammation in arthritis
• Lowering cholesterol levels
• Supporting brain health and improving cognition

Nutrition facts in Jamba’s ginger shot

Jamba Juice doesn’t provide complete nutrition information for their ginger shots. However, we can estimate the general nutrition content based on the USDA data for generic ginger root and lemon juice:

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	15
Total Fat	0g
Sodium	2mg
Potassium	100mg
Total Carbs	4g
Sugar	1g
Protein	0g

As you can see, ginger shots are very low in calories, fat, and sodium. They provide potassium, vitamin C, and a wide range of antioxidants.

Are there any downsides to ginger shots?

For most people, ginger shots are safe and free of adverse side effects. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• May interact with blood thinners – Ginger can thin the blood, so consult your doctor if taking blood-thinning medication.
• May cause heartburn – The spiciness may aggravate heartburn in those prone to reflux.
• Avoid large doses when pregnant – Stick to food amounts, around 1-2 grams per day.

Who should consider drinking ginger shots?

Here are some people who may benefit the most from making ginger shots part of their routine:

• Those prone to nausea – Helps prevent motion sickness, morning sickness, chemotherapy side effects.
• People with osteoarthritis or joint pain – Ginger’s anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce joint pain.
• Those at risk for heart disease – Ginger may help improve cholesterol, blood pressure, and other risk factors.
• Individuals with elevated blood sugar – Animal and human studies suggest ginger can lower blood sugar.
• People with digestive issues – Ginger stimulates digestion and helps reduce gas, bloating, and constipation.

Keep in mind that research is still ongoing into ginger’s effects on specific conditions. Consult your healthcare provider about potential benefits and proper dosage for your individual health needs.

How to take ginger shots from Jamba Juice

Jamba Juice recommends consuming their 1.5 oz ginger shots up to 3 times per day. Here are some quick tips for taking ginger shots:

• Take on an empty stomach – This helps maximize absorption of ginger’s beneficial compounds.
• Drink first thing in the morning – This can help stimulate digestion and reduce nausea throughout the day.
• Combine with lemon juice – The vitamin C in lemon enhances the antioxidant benefits of ginger.
• Follow with water – Water washes away the lingering spicy taste.
• Refrigerate for a cooling effect – Store unused shots in the fridge for up to 5 days.

How to make ginger shots at home

While convenient, buying pre-made ginger shots at Jamba Juice can get expensive. You can easily make your own ginger shots at home with just a few ingredients:

Basic ginger shot recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 inch knob of fresh ginger root, peeled and chopped
• 1/2 lemon, juiced
• 1 cup water

Instructions:

1. Blend the ginger and lemon juice with water in a high-speed blender until smooth.
2. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a glass to remove fiber.
3. Store in the refrigerator for up to one week.
4. Drink 1-2 ounces per serving.

Customize your ginger shots

Once you have the basic recipe down, you can experiment by adding other ingredients like:

• Cayenne pepper – Adds heat and enhances absoprtion.
• Apple cider vinegar – Lowers pH for better extraction of gingerol.
• Turmeric – Boosts anti-inflammatory effects.
• Honey or stevia – Sweetens, if desired.

The bottom line

Ginger shots from Jamba Juice provide a convenient way to gain the potential digestive, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting benefits of ginger. While research is still emerging, ginger appears to be safe for most people when consumed in normal food amounts. Drink ginger shots as part of an overall healthy lifestyle focusing on a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management, and proper sleep.