Lemon ginger turmeric shots are packed with nutrients that boost immunity and fight inflammation, making them a staple for me during fall and winter. And after researching and discovering some of the other benefits they offer, I might start making them year-round. More on that below. Since it is that time of year, these shots are especially helpful during cold and flu season. They provide a natural way to strengthen the immune system and reduce the severity of cold and flu symptoms. This recipe might be particularly helpful for those of you with kids, who are all too familiar with the never-ending series of sniffles and sneezing that seems to last the entire school year.
Loaded with vitamin C, antioxidants, and powerful compounds, lemon, ginger, and turmeric have been used for centuries in traditional medicine, and modern science backs that ancient wisdom up. A study from the Journal of Nutrition found regular consumers of these ingredients saw a 30% boost in immune function.
For an easy health boost, lemon ginger turmeric shots are a simple, effective option. Whether you’re trying to fend off a cold, manage aches and pains, or just increase your energy, these potent shots are a solid addition to your wellness routine.
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The Power-Packed Trio: Lemon, Ginger, and Turmeric Shot Benefits
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s take a step back and look at our key ingredients- Lemon, ginger, and turmeric – each a powerhouse in its own right, but they are even more potent when combined.
These ingredients have been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years. These natural healers have stood the test of time, from ancient Ayurvedic practices to Chinese herbal remedies. But it’s not just about tradition, modern science backs up the health claims of these foods as well. The components of this drink are known to be anti-inflammatory which can help with managing pain; rich in antioxidants which protect against free radical damage; and full of vitamin C which boosts immune function.
A word of caution: While these ingredients are generally safe for most people, they can interact with certain medications. If you’re on blood thinners or have a health condition, it’s always a good idea to check with your doctor before starting any new health regimen.
Lemon: The Ultimate Citrus Boost
Lemon is not just here to add flavor. It is also a nutritional heavyweight hiding in plain sight. Lemons are loaded with Vitamin C. One lemon gives you around 30-40% of your daily needs. Why does that matter? Vitamin C is a major player in your immune system, helping your body gear up its natural defenses.
Lemons are also packed with antioxidants—specifically flavonoids. These compounds help fight off free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules (with a missing valence electron) produced in the body as the result of normal metabolic functions or as the result of exposure to harmful compounds in our environments like cigarette smoke, pollution, UV radiation, pesticides, and alcohol.
Free radicals contribute to oxidative stress, inflammation, aging, and other health issues. Antioxidants are stable molecules that lessen the harmful effects of free radicals (by donating their electrons to them).
For those keeping an eye on weight, lemons can help! They contain pectin, a soluble fiber that helps you feel full and satiated longer.
Ginger: The Spicy Inflammation Fighter
Next up is ginger – the spicy-sweet root that delivers major health benefits. What is ginger’s claim to fame? Its anti-inflammatory properties. The compound responsible for this is called gingerol. It’s like nature’s ibuprofen but without the potential side effects. It is well-documented that chronic inflammation is the root of many modern diseases from heart disease to cancer. By incorporating ginger into your diet, you’re giving your body a natural tool to fight this silent threat.
If you’ve ever sipped on ginger ale for an upset stomach, you’re onto something. Ginger has been used for centuries to aid digestion and relieve nausea. It can help speed up emptying of the stomach, which can be particularly helpful for people with indigestion and related stomach discomfort. Morning sickness? Motion sickness? Ginger’s got your back.
Speaking of your back, Ginger has shown promise in pain reduction, especially for muscle soreness and arthritis. A study found that consuming ginger daily reduced exercise-induced muscle pain by 25%. For those dealing with osteoarthritis, ginger has been shown to be as effective as ibuprofen in reducing pain and inflammation. I personally find it to be a wonderful treatment for menstrual cramps and headaches.
Ginger might also be your ally in managing blood sugar and promoting heart health. Some studies suggest that ginger can help reduce blood sugar levels and improve various heart disease risk factors in people with type 2 diabetes. It is also thought to play a role in lowering cholesterol. Read more about ginger’s incredible benefits in this article from the Cleveland Clinic or this one from Nutritionfacts.org.
Turmeric: The Golden Root of Wellness That Will Stain Everything
Last but definitely not least, we’ve got turmeric – the golden child of the wellness world.
That gorgeous golden tone will stain everything from your cutting board to your fingertips, but it should wash off after a few days! Use glass and non-porous surfaces for this recipe if possible.
The star compound in turmeric is curcumin. Curcumin is a powerful antioxidant that gives turmeric its vibrant yellow color and its impressive health benefits. Curcumin is a potent anti-inflammatory agent. We’re talking about effects comparable to some anti-inflammatory drugs.
Turmeric’s antioxidant prowess doesn’t stop there. It’s been studied for its potential in fighting various types of cancer. While more research is needed, the initial results are promising. Curcumin has shown the ability to affect cancer growth and development at the molecular level. Learn more about that on Nutritionfacts.org.
Here’s where it gets really interesting (and a little out of my depth as someone who only took two years of chemistry and A&P, but I’ll do my best to summarize my findings) – turmeric might be good for your brain. Studies have linked turmeric to improved brain function and a lower risk of brain diseases. It can increase levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a type of growth hormone that functions in your brain. Many common brain disorders have been linked to decreased levels of BDNF, including depression and Alzheimer’s disease.
Speaking of depression, turmeric has shown promise in this area too. Some studies have shown that curcumin can boost the brain neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine, which are often called “feel-good” hormones. While it’s not a replacement for professional mental health treatment, it’s an interesting area of research and a relatively easy and inexpensive home remedy.
The Synergistic Magic: Health Benefits of Lemon, Ginger, and Turmeric Shots
When you combine lemon, ginger, and turmeric, you’re not just getting the benefits of each ingredient. You’re creating a synergistic effect that amplifies the benefits- the whole becomes greater than the sum of its parts. Each ingredient brings its unique set of nutrients and beneficial compounds to the table, creating a super-shot of wellness.
Let’s start with absorption. Curcumin, the star compound in turmeric, is not easily absorbed by the body on its own. But when you add black pepper to the mix (which is often included in lemon ginger turmeric shots), the bioavailability of curcumin increases dramatically – we’re talking by 2000%!
The anti-inflammatory effects of each ingredient are also amplified when combined. Lemon’s vitamin C, ginger’s gingerols, and turmeric’s curcumin all work together to create a powerful anti-inflammatory cocktail. This can potentially help with everything from reducing muscle soreness after a workout to alleviating symptoms of chronic inflammatory conditions.
Digestive health also gets a boost from this combination. Lemon aids in the production of digestive juices, ginger helps with nausea and stomach emptying, and turmeric can help reduce gut inflammation.
When it comes to immune function, this trio is hard to beat. The vitamin C from lemon, the anti-inflammatory properties of ginger, and the immune-boosting effects of turmeric create a formidable defense against invading pathogens.
How to Take Your Lemon Ginger Turmeric Shot
Experts recommend taking them on an empty stomach to boost their absorption, so first thing in the morning is best.
The recipe I’ll give below will yield frozen cubes of lemon ginger turmeric shots which can be thawed or prepared as tea. If you want to enjoy your lemon ginger turmeric shot as a tea, simply add one frozen cube to a tea cup and add boiling water. Or you can allow the frozen cube to melt and take it like a shot. Try taking one cube out each night and leaving it in a small glass in the refrigerator to thaw, so it’s ready for you first thing in the morning.
However you choose to consume them, be sure to brush your teeth afterward to protect your teeth from the acidic nature of these shots.
How to Make the Perfect Lemon Ginger Turmeric Shot
Now that you’re convinced of the benefits, let’s get down to business. Here’s how to make your own freezer-ready lemon ginger turmeric shots at home:
I am not a recipe person, I cook based on experience and intuition, but the following is an approximate recipe. Also, since no two lemons have the same amount of juice, and measuring turmeric and ginger in inches leaves room for error, you might end up with more or less juice at the end. So take this as a loose guide, not an exact plan.
This process isn’t difficult, but is it time-consuming so I like to make a big batch. Don’t worry, they are well worth the effort! I doubled this recipe this time and made some for a friend. Overall, this should make about 24 lemon ginger turmeric shots.
What You Need to Make Your Shots
Supplies:
- Cutting board and knife
- Citrus juicer (I love this stainless steel one as citrus fruits are acidic and will cause the painted ones to flake over time)
- High-speed blender, we love our Vitamix Blender– a practical splurge for our family since we make tons of smoothies, soups, and sauces
- Fine mesh strainer
- Pitcher or funnel for pouring
- Ice cube trays or any small silicone molds.
Ingredients:
- About 1 cup of lemon juice, from fresh lemons, not from concentrate. Our lemon tree hasn’t started producing yet, so I had to buy lemons and they were not great. I needed about 6 lemons to get one cup of juice
- 6-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled or not (just a matter of preference)
- 4-inch piece of fresh turmeric peeled or not (or 4 tsp ground turmeric)
- Several cracks or pinches of black pepper ( you won’t taste and it activates the effect of turmeric so don’t skip this ingredient!)
- 1/4 cup of water
- Optional: 2-4 tbsp (or more) of agave, maple syrup, or honey for sweetness to taste
Lemon Ginger Turmeric Shot Instructions
Gather your supplies and ingredients.
Wash your lemons, ginger, and turmeric.
- Juice the lemons and pour it into a blender.
- If you want, use a potato peeler to remove the skin or the ginger and turmeric. Although this step isn’t necessary. The skin is perfectly safe to eat and most high-speed blenders can easily handle the thin skin. Chop the ginger and turmeric to and add to the blender.
- Add a pinch or two of black pepper and water.
- Blend until smooth.
- Add agave, honey, or maple syrup to taste if desired, and blend one more time to combine.
- Strain the mixture if you prefer a smoother shot. I used this small fine mesh strainer from Cuisinart, which fit perfectly in the mouth of a wide-mouth mason jar.
- Slowly pour the mixture through the strainer allowing the liquid to pass through. When the strainer starts to fill with pulp, use the back of a spoon to firmly press the pulp to extract any remaining liquid. Discard or compost the pulp. You might have to do this few times throughout the process.
- After straining, you might want to pour the liquid into a pitcher with a spout or use a small funnel to make it easier to fill the ice cube tray (or silicone mini muffin trays in my case).
- Freeze the shots until solid (approximately 2-4 hours)
- Store as you wish in a container or bag. These frozen shots should be consumed within about 3 months.
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Incorporating Lemon Ginger Turmeric Shots into Your Daily Routine
So, you’ve made your shot. Now what? Here are some tips for making it a part of your daily routine:
Timing is everything. As mentioned, morning is ideal. It can help wake up your digestive system and give your metabolism a boost. But if mornings aren’t your thing, that’s cool too. Just try to have it on an empty stomach for best absorption.
How often should you drink it? That’s entirely up to you. You can take them daily or every other day as a preventative measure. Or take them when you start to feel a cold or flu coming on or for any of the other ailments mentioned above. Some people like to have a shot every day, while others find that a few times a week is plenty.
However you consume it, be sure to brush your teeth afterward to protect your enamel!
The Bottom Line
Lemon ginger turmeric shots aren’t some magic cure-all, but they’re pretty close! But really, what they can do is provide your body with a concentrated dose of nutrients and beneficial compounds that have been shown to support overall health and well-being.
In a world where we’re constantly bombarded with health trends and miracle cures, it’s refreshing to find something that’s simple, natural, and backed by both traditional wisdom and modern science. Lemon ginger turmeric shots are asimple and time-tested solution for a myriad of ailments.
Incorporating lemon ginger turmeric shots into your daily or weekly routine have a big impact on your overall health and wellbeing. They’re relatively quick to make, loaded with health benefits, and a natural way to support your body.
So why not give it a shot? (Pun fully intended.) Incorporate this zesty, spicy elixir into your routine and see how you feel.
Looking for more ways to improve your health? You might like this article and checklist on surviving cold and flu season, especially if you have young kids.
Here’s to your health!
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