The plant version of ginger has many studied health benefits. These include being a treatment against nausea, headaches and menstrual cramps − and even improving ones blood sugar balance. Because of such advantages, some people assume that ginger ale can also be helpful and even healthy.
Unfortunately, most such beliefs arent supported by research. While some versions of the drink certainly may have more health benefits than other types of soda, “ginger ale is not considered to be good for you,” says Lisa Young, PhD, RDN, an adjunct professor of nutrition at New York University and author of “Finally Full, Finally Slim.”
Manufacturers classify most commercial ginger ale as soda. They make ginger ale by mixing carbonated water with sugar or high fructose corn syrup and either natural or artificial ginger flavoring. Ginger ale often contains preservatives, like citric acid and sodium benzoate, as well as caramel color.
What is ginger ale?
Ginger ale is a carbonated soft drink beverage that has gingers distinct taste and is sweetened with sugar or artificial sweeteners. It usually contains preservatives, caramel coloring and high fructose corn syrup as well. The ginger taste is added with either artificial flavoring or comes from real ginger root. “While there are different variations and methods of production, the basic process of creating ginger ale with real ginger involves only a few steps,” says Jen Messer, a nutrition consultant and registered dietitian at Jen Messer Nutrition.
These steps include extracting the ginger from fresh ginger root by washing, peeling and crushing the plant, then steeping it in hot water “to release its aromatic compounds,” Messer explains. Its then sweetened, followed by a carbonation process through either natural fermentation or by artificially adding carbon dioxide gas. Finally, additional flavors and ingredients are added to enhance taste and preserve the liquid.
Is ginger ale good for you?
In the case of artificially flavored ginger ale, the beverage has no more health benefits than any other soda, which, of course, are zero. But in the case of ginger ale flavored by real ginger root, the beverage has marginally more health benefits than other soft drinks. While such versions are still “not typically viewed as a healthy food option, they can potentially provide some health benefits,” says Messer. For example, ginger ale flavored by real ginger root has similar benefits of ginger, albeit in much smaller amounts. These may include help with nausea, indigestion and pain relief, explains Messer.
Even when real ginger root is used in ginger ale, however, the beverage still contains “high levels of sugar, which can reduce its health benefits,” she adds. A single 12-ounce can of ginger ale has about 36 grams of added sugar – nearly 3/4 of ones entire daily value, based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Whats more, many of the most popular ginger ale brands use artificial flavorings alone, so they have no such health benefits.
In either case, ginger ale is still soda, and numerous studies have linked drinking soda with an increased risk of obesity. “Ginger ale is not classified as a health food and should be consumed in moderation,” advises Jamie Bering, MD, a gastroenterologist at Mayo Clinic in Arizona.
Making Ginger Ale with REAL GINGER
FAQ
Is ginger ale healthier than soda?
Is Canada Dry a soda?
Why do people drink ginger ale on airplane?
Is ginger ale good for your stomach?
Is ginger ale really a soda?
In truth, regular ginger ale is just a soda. Although ginger root has been linked with health benefits, regular ginger ale is made with very little (or no) real ginger root — not enough to boast benefits. Go ahead and enjoy the ginger ale of your choice. Just don’t expect to get any major health perks. Ginger ale is really just soda.
Is ginger ale without sugar bad for you?
No, ginger ale has good benefits for health, such as keeping the body warm, reducing nausea, and relieving menstrual pain. Consuming ginger ale without sugar means that we do not add calories to the beverage, as adding 1 tbsp of sugar equals 50 calories.
Can you mix ginger ale and ginger soda?
Yes, both ginger ale and ginger soda can be used as mixers in cocktails. However, the choice of which one to use may depend on the specific cocktail and personal preference. Ginger ale has a milder flavor and lighter color, while ginger soda has a stronger ginger flavor and darker color.
Is ginger ale alcohol-free?
Ginger ale, despite its name, is alcohol-free. Ginger ale is a carbonated soft drink originating in 1850s Ireland and made more popular in Canada in the early 1900s. There are two main types of ginger ale. The first is the “golden style” and the second is the “dry style” (also called the “pale style”).