6 Reasons You Should Take a Ginger and Turmeric Shot Every Day

Ginger and turmeric are two spices that have been used for centuries in traditional medicine.[1] One of the main reasons these culinary cousins are so beneficial is due to their rich phenolic compound content, including the likes of curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, gingerol and shogaol.[2]

Traditionally, ginger has been used to soothe an upset stomach (e.g. nausea and vomiting), support healthy blood sugar levels and promote a healthy immune system. Turmeric, on the other hand, is traditionally used for its anti-inflammatory, joint support, and brain health benefits.

Both ginger and turmeric can be added to a variety of dishes in their fresh or dried forms. More commonly, though, theyӮre consumed in supplement form.

Here are 6 reasons why you should take a ginger and turmeric shot every day.

#1 Reduces Inflammation

Chronic inflammation is implicated in many chronic diseases, including obesity, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

While turmeric is more well-known as a natural anti-inflammatory, the truth is that ginger also possesses some intriguing anti-inflammatory benefits.

In fact, research shows that found that taking 1,000mg of powdered ginger daily for 12 weeks helped to reduce inflammation in individuals with osteoarthritis.[3]

A separate meta-analysis of 9 studies noted that taking 1ØC3 grams of ginger per day for 6ØC12 weeks decreased levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), a key marker of inflammation.[4]

Combining ginger and turmeric has also been found to have a synergistic anti-inflammatory effect.[1]

#2 Reduces Pain

Ginger and turmericӮs anti-inflammatory effects may help reduce inflammation and pain.

A review of 8 studies found that taking 1,000mg of curcumin was as helpful at reducing joint pain as certain medications in individuals with arthritis.[5]

Ginger also has been noted to decrease chronic pain associated with arthritis.[6] In fact, one study found that consuming 500mg of ginger root powder 3x per day reduced the intensity and duration of menstrual pain.[7]

Another study in adults with knee osteoarthritis compared the effects of a combination of ginger, turmeric, and black pepper to a common NSAID (naproxen). Researchers found that the herbal combination was as effective as the OTC pain reliever in reducing pain and inflammation when taken two times a day for four weeks.[8]

#3 Supports Immune Function

Turmeric and ginger have long been used in traditional medicine to support a robust immune system and help individuals overcome various illnesses. In part, ginger and turmeric may help improve immune function by helping to decrease levels of inflammation.[9]

Animal studies indicate that ginger extract may inhibit the activation of several pro-inflammatory immune cells and decrease symptoms of seasonal allergies, such as sneezing.[10]

On the other hand, curcumin possesses anti-viral properties and may help reduce the severity of the flu virus.[11]

#4 Reduces Nausea

Ginger is perhaps best known for its role in soothing an upset stomach. Research supports this traditional use of ginger as various studies note the spice can decrease nausea brought on by motion sickness, GI disorders, and chemotherapy.[12,13,14]

While turmeric/curcumin isnӮt as widely recognized for its anti-nausea benefits, a small body of research suggests it may help reduce nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.[15,16]

#5 Supports Cardiovascular Health

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death. By helping to lower inflammation, ginger and turmeric shots may help support cardiovascular health since inflammation is strongly associated with the disease.[1]

Consuming 2-4 grams of fresh ginger daily has been found to help reduce blood pressure and lower the risk of heart disease.[17] Other research indicates that turmeric extract can reduce blood pressure and improve antioxidant, anti-inflammatory status and arterial compliance.[18] A recent literature review concluded that ”°curcumin as a nutraceutical could hold promise in the prevention of CVDs”­”±[19]

#6 Supports Weight Loss

A 2019 systematic review and meta-analysis of 21 studies concluded that curcumin intake was correlated with a significant reduction in body mass index (BMI), body weight, and waist circumference. Researchers also note that it may support higher levels of adiponectin (a hormone involved in regulating glucose levels and fatty acid breakdown) and lower levels of leptin (also known as ”°obese protein”± that is released by fat cells).[20]

A separate systematic review and meta-analysis of 14 randomized, control trials concluded that ginger intake reduced body weight, waist-to-hip ratio, hip ratio, fasting glucose and markers of insulin resistance,. It also increased HDL (”°good”±) cholesterol.[21]

Also worth mentioning is that gingerol, one of the main bioactives in ginger root, stimulates assorted spice receptors on the tongue, specifically the TRPV1 receptor, and promotes browning of fat cells.[22] This increases thermogenic energy expenditure in a similar fashion to capsaicinoids, found in cayenne pepper extract, which ultimately helps reduce body fat.

The Best Ginger and Turmeric Shot

ItӮs possible to make your own ginger and turmeric shots at home, but you'll need go to do quite a bit of leg-work, including:

• Going the store to buy ginger and turmeric
• Driving home
• Pulling out the blender
• Blending the ginger and turmeric
• Straining it through a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer
• Cleaning the blender and strainer

If you love to DIY, then by all means go ahead! But”­many of us already struggle to just get in a solid 45-60min workout 3x per week.

ThatӮs one of the reasons we formulated 1UP Kickstart -- our organic ginger and turmeric shot also contains lemon and cayenne pepper for added antioxidant and metabolic support.

Have a serving 1-2 times per day to support gut health, immune function, and antioxidant status.

To further increase your ginger and turmeric intake, you may also want to have a scoop of 1UP Vegan Greens & Reds Superfoods which contains 25 vitamins and minerals, probiotics, prebiotics and digestive enzymes alongside a robust metabolic complex to help boost your health, support your gut, and reduce bloating.

References

1. Zhou X, Afzal S, Wohlmuth H, et al. Synergistic anti-inflammatory activity of ginger and turmeric extracts in inhibiting lipopolysaccharide and interferon-¦Ć-induced proinflammatory mediators. Molecules. 2022;27(12):3877. doi:10.3390/molecules27123877
2. Frankel, E.-N.; Meyer, A.-S. The Problems of Using One©\dimensional Methods to Evaluate Multifunctional Food and Biological Antioxidants. J. Sci. Food Agric. 2000, 80(13), 1925ØC1941. DOI: 10.1002/1097-0010(200010)80:13<1925::AID-JSFA714>3.0.CO;2-4.
3. Naderi Z, Mozaffari-Khosravi H, Dehghan A, Nadjarzadeh A, Huseini HF. Effect of ginger powder supplementation on nitric oxide and C-reactive protein in elderly knee osteoarthritis patients: A 12-week double-blind randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial. J Tradit Complement Med. 2015 Jan 28;6(3):199-203. doi: 10.1016/j.jtcme.2014.12.007. PMID: 27419081; PMCID: PMC4936657.
4. Mazidi M, Gao HK, Rezaie P, Ferns GA. The effect of ginger supplementation on serum C-reactive protein, lipid profile and glycaemia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Food Nutr Res. 2016 Nov 1;60:32613. doi: 10.3402/fnr.v60.32613. PMID: 27806832; PMCID: PMC5093315.
5. Daily JW, Yang M, Park S. Efficacy of Turmeric Extracts and Curcumin for Alleviating the Symptoms of Joint Arthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials. J Med Food. 2016 Aug;19(8):717-29. doi: 10.1089/jmf.2016.3705. PMID: 27533649; PMCID: PMC5003001.
6. Altman RD, Marcussen KC. Effects of a ginger extract on knee pain in patients with osteoarthritis. Arthritis Rheum. 2001 Nov;44(11):2531-8. doi: 10.1002/1529-0131(200111)44:11<2531::aid-art433>3.0.co;2-j. PMID: 11710709.
7. Rahnama P, Montazeri A, Huseini HF, Kianbakht S, Naseri M. Effect of Zingiber officinale R. rhizomes (ginger) on pain relief in primary dysmenorrhea: a placebo randomized trial. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2012 Jul 10;12:92. doi: 10.1186/1472-6882-12-92. PMID: 22781186; PMCID: PMC3518208.
8. Heidari-Beni M, Moravejolahkami AR, Gorgian P, Askari G, Tarrahi MJ, Bahreini-Esfahani N. Herbal formulation "turmeric extract, black pepper, and ginger" versus Naproxen for chronic knee osteoarthritis: A randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial. Phytother Res. 2020;34(8):2067-2073. doi:10.1002/ptr.6671
9. Jagetia GC, Aggarwal BB. "Spicing up" of the immune system by curcumin. J Clin Immunol. 2007 Jan;27(1):19-35. doi: 10.1007/s10875-006-9066-7. Epub 2007 Jan 9. PMID: 17211725.; Mashhadi NS, Ghiasvand R, Askari G, Hariri M, Darvishi L, Mofid MR. Anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects of ginger in health and physical activity: review of current evidence. Int J Prev Med. 2013 Apr;4(Suppl 1):S36-42. PMID: 23717767; PMCID: PMC3665023.
10. Kawamoto Y, Ueno Y, Nakahashi E, Obayashi M, Sugihara K, Qiao S, Iida M, Kumasaka MY, Yajima I, Goto Y, Ohgami N, Kato M, Takeda K.Prevention of allergic rhinitis by ginger and the molecular basis of immunosuppression by 6-gingerol through T cell inactivation. J Nutr Biochem. 2016 Jan;27:112-22. doi: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2015.08.025. Epub 2015 Sep 1. PMID: 26403321.
11. Dai J, Gu L, Su Y, Wang Q, Zhao Y, Chen X, Deng H, Li W, Wang G, Li K. Inhibition of curcumin on influenza A virus infection and influenzal pneumonia via oxidative stress, TLR2/4, p38/JNK MAPK and NF-¦ŹB pathways. Int Immunopharmacol. 2018 Jan;54:177-187. doi: 10.1016/j.intimp.2017.11.009. Epub 2017 Nov 15. PMID: 29153953.
12. Lien HC, Sun WM, Chen YH, Kim H, Hasler W, Owyang C. Effects of ginger on motion sickness and gastric slow-wave dysrhythmias induced by circular vection. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol. 2003 Mar;284(3):G481-9. doi: 10.1152/ajpgi.00164.2002. PMID: 12576305.
13. Ryan JL, Heckler CE, Roscoe JA, Dakhil SR, Kirshner J, Flynn PJ, Hickok JT, Morrow GR. Ginger (Zingiber officinale) reduces acute chemotherapy-induced nausea: a URCC CCOP study of 576 patients. Support Care Cancer. 2012 Jul;20(7):1479-89. doi: 10.1007/s00520-011-1236-3. Epub 2011 Aug 5. PMID: 21818642; PMCID: PMC3361530.
14. Nikkhah Bodagh M, Maleki I, Hekmatdoost A. Ginger in gastrointestinal disorders: A systematic review of clinical trials. Food Sci Nutr. 2018 Nov 5;7(1):96-108. doi: 10.1002/fsn3.807. PMID: 30680163; PMCID: PMC6341159.
15. Yao Q, Ye X, Wang L, Gu J, Fu T, Wang Y, Lai Y, Wang Y, Wang X, Jin H, Guo Y. Protective effect of curcumin on chemotherapy-induced intestinal dysfunction. Int J Clin Exp Pathol. 2013 Oct 15;6(11):2342-9. PMID: 24228095; PMCID: PMC3816802.
16. Yao Q, Ye X, Wang L, Gu J, Fu T, Wang Y, Lai Y, Wang Y, Wang X, Jin H, Guo Y. Protective effect of curcumin on chemotherapy-induced intestinal dysfunction. Int J Clin Exp Pathol. 2013 Oct 15;6(11):2342-9. PMID: 24228095; PMCID: PMC3816802.
17. Wang Y, Yu H, Zhang X, et al. Evaluation of daily ginger consumption for the prevention of chronic diseases in adults: A cross-sectional study. Nutrition. 2017;36:79-84. doi:10.1016/j.nut.2016.05.009
18. Hajleh MNA, Al-Dujaili EAS. Effects of Turmeric Concentrate on Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Exercise-Induced Oxidative Stress in Healthy Volunteers; an Exploratory Study. Adv Pharm Bull. 2023 Jul;13(3):601-610. doi: 10.34172/apb.2023.052. Epub 2022 Jul 2. PMID: 37646063; PMCID: PMC10460800.
19. Cox FF, Misiou A, Vierkant A, Ale-Agha N, Grandoch M, Haendeler J, Altschmied J. Protective Effects of Curcumin in Cardiovascular Diseases-Impact on Oxidative Stress and Mitochondria. Cells. 2022 Jan 20;11(3):342. doi: 10.3390/cells11030342. PMID: 35159155; PMCID: PMC8833931.
20. Akbari M, Lankarani KB, Tabrizi R, Ghayour-Mobarhan M, Peymani P, Ferns G, Ghaderi A, Asemi Z. The Effects of Curcumin on Weight Loss Among Patients With Metabolic Syndrome and Related Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Front Pharmacol. 2019 Jun 12;10:649. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2019.00649. PMID: 31249528; PMCID: PMC6582779.
21. Maharlouei N, Tabrizi R, Lankarani KB, Rezaianzadeh A, Akbari M, Kolahdooz F, Rahimi M, Keneshlou F, Asemi Z. The effects of ginger intake on weight loss and metabolic profiles among overweight and obese subjects: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2019;59(11):1753-1766. doi: 10.1080/10408398.2018.1427044. Epub 2018 Feb 2. PMID: 29393665.
22. Wang J, Zhang L, Dong L, Hu X, Feng F, Chen F. 6-Gingerol, a Functional Polyphenol of Ginger, Promotes Browning through an AMPK-Dependent Pathway in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes. J Agric Food Chem. 2019 Dec 26;67(51):14056-14065. doi: 10.1021/acs.jafc.9b05072. Epub 2019 Dec 13. PMID: 31789021.