How to Make Ginger Ale [Homemade Recipe] - My Fermented Foods (2024)

FAQs

Does ginger ale have probiotics? ›

The results showed that there were probiotic bacteria in ginger ale, from the Lactobacillus, Streptococcus and Micrococcus genus. Organoleptic test results by panelists showed that ginger ale from ginger emprit has a good taste.

Into an empty 2-liter soda bottle, put ginger root, sugar, yeast, and lemon juice. Fill the rest of the bottle with water. Screw the cap onto the bottle as tight as possible. Shake the bottle well, then leave at room temperature until the bottle is too hard to squeeze, about 2 days.

Ginger ale could actually do more harm than good.

Gastroenterologist Dr. Lukasz Kwapisz, of Gastro Health in Miami, explained that the high sugar content in ginger ale and other sodas — usually upward of 30 grams per serving — can actually make stomach troubles worse.

The authentic version of ginger beer is a two-step process using a ginger bug, which is a collection of beneficial bacteria and yeasts. The resulting beverage is rich in probiotics, which, when consumed as part of a regular diet, will promote a healthy digestive system.

Many commercial ginger ales contain little ginger and a lot of added sugar, but some traditional varieties contain real fermented ginger root. Ginger may offer benefits for heart health, headaches, and nausea, as well as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Gingerol can inhibit yeast production and change the yield of its metabolites during the fermentation period, with an increasing amount of gingerol added, the number of viable yeast became lower, the alcohol content of the fermentation broth and the metabolic rate of sugar decreased.

Keep at room temperature for 2 to 6 days, until the ginger ale is fizzy. Strain out the pieces of ginger root at this time or leave them in if you like ginger pieces. Bottle in tightly capped beverage bottles and let sit at room temperature for 1 to 2 days before refrigerating.

Traditional ginger ale is fermented from a microbial starter culture (yeast or ginger bug), sugar, fresh ginger root, other flavourings and water.

Fermented ginger beverages have been used for thousands of years not only for their delicious taste but also for their tonic effect – driving out cold, boosting circulation and calming inflammation.

“If a person has bloating, gas or indigestion, the carbonation and sugar may make it worse. Even diet ginger ale can be harmful because our bodies may not digest artificial sugars as well.”

What brand of ginger ale has real ginger in it? ›

Reed's – Real Ginger Ale, Ginger Beer and Ginger Products.

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.

Ginger beer is still produced at home using a symbiotic colony of yeast and a Lactobacillus (bacteria) known as a "ginger beer plant" or from a "ginger bug" starter created from fermenting ginger, sugar, and water.

As garlic and ginger go through the fermentation process, the number of probiotic bacteria in them increases. Consuming probiotic bacteria has many benefits including improving your digestive system and immune system. In the winter, it is especially important to consume probiotics to help avoid colds and the flu.

One of the most well-known uses of ginger is as a remedy for nausea. Ginger could help reduce feelings of nausea and vomiting due to its ability to soothe the digestive system and reduce inflammation. Drinking ginger ale can be particularly helpful for those suffering from morning sickness, motion sickness, or nausea.

“The basic explanation of how ginger cures a stomach ache is that it has spasmolytic properties,” says Walsh. She explains that ginger works to calm the spasms that occur in the smooth muscle, which is the type of muscle found in the stomach and other organs that comprise the digestive system.

Ginger, a member of the plant family that includes turmeric and cardamom, has been proven to be effective at treating nausea and vomiting — two hallmarks of a classic upset stomach. In fact, ginger is even used to treat morning sickness, muscle pain and menstrual pain.

Both ginger ale and apple juice are relatively easy on the stomach, so if there is any residual stomach upset or nausea they would be less likely to aggravate it. Some hospitals offer additional options, such as popsicles or 7up (or some other variety of clear lemon-lime carbonated drink).

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.