Health Benefits of Ginger Beer – Learn How to Make Your Own Ginger Beer at Home
Wouldn’t it be awesome to brew beer right at home for yourself and others? I know you are already feeling thirsty thinking about beer. We are here to help you exactly do that, brew your own ginger beer and tell you the various health benefits ginger beer has.
What is Ginger Beer?
Ginger Beer is made from ginger root. Ginger beer has many health benefits and it is a popular way to consume ginger. Who doesn’t like beer? The goodness of ginger makes it even better. Ginger beer is a great alternative for other fizzy drinks.
The ginger root as we know has many medicinal as well as culinary benefits. Gingerol, an active element present in the ginger root, is a natural oil and rich source of minerals namely, potassium, manganese, copper, magnesium, and vitamin B6. Furthermore, gingerol also gives the root a distinctive aroma.
Ginger Beer Ingredients
Wondering what ginger beer is made of? It is made from fresh or dried ginger with sugar and lemon. Do not confuse it with ginger ale, seltzer water makes it fizzy whereas ginger beer is carbonated due to the yeast which is added during the process of brewing it. The kind of sugar and ginger used to make it gives the beer a unique taste. Many brands do not disclose this information so a safe bet is to prepare your own Ginger Beer at home.
Health Benefits of Ginger Beer
By now you already know Ginger Beer has health benefits. But what is Ginger Beer good for? Let us look at some of Ginger Beer’s benefits.
Relieves Nausea and Improves Digestion
Ginger beer works as a remedy against morning sickness and nausea. A study by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center suggests ginger beer strengthens digestion and smoothly moves food through the digestive tract. The active agent gingerol along with shogaol helps relieve irritation in the stomach and indigestion.
The active agents help produce bile and stimulate pancreatic lipase that improves energy flow in the body and results in burning body fat.
Lower Risk of Cancer
Even though the studies about ginger beer being able to kill cancer cells is not conclusive, many studies suggest that the active ingredients in ginger beer have anti-cancer properties. A study conducted in 2013 by Cancer Prevention Research found that ginger killed the colorectal cancer cells and stopped them from growing again. In 2016, Molecular Nutrition and Food Research in their lab study demonstrated the prevention of cancer cells in humans with the help of ginger.
Ginger also has zingeron and paradol that work together and fight against cancer cells. Furthermore, it also shows a property that is chemo-preventive and reduces the inflammation-causing molecules and stops cancer cells from creating havoc in our body.
Anti-Inflammatory Benefits
Ginger beer can help manage various types of body inflammation like arthritis, gastritis, osteoarthritis, and more. When our white blood cells fight against foreign objects, chemicals are suddenly released which increases blood flow to the affected area and inflammation happens. Ginger helps relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
A lab study in 2013 showed ginger to be as effective as some anti-inflammatory medicines that restrict rheumatism and rheumatoid arthritis. International Journal of Preventive Medicine, published research that suggests consuming ginger regularly can lower inflammation of tissue and keep our body safe from diseases contracted from smoking or infections.
Antibacterial Properties
The antibacterial properties of ginger are why it is abundantly used in cooking and traditional medicines. The University of Buea in Cameroon conducted research that shows ginger arrested four different types of respiratory pathogens. In another research in Nigeria, ginger extract worked as a better anti-bacterial than antibiotics.
Gingerol is responsible for antibacterial properties and consuming ginger beer can fight against bacteria and harmful antibiotics.
Slows Down Signs of Aging
Ginger beer can slow down signs of aging. Stress always shows on our physical appearance, the fragrance of the ginger beer itself will lift your mood.
The ginger root can effectively improve mental health. It has been used for treating dementia, memory loss, and even Alzheimer’s disease for ages. It can also increase activity levels of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine along with acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that promotes memory and learning.
How to Make Ginger Beer at Your Home?
Anything that is homemade will have more benefits as it is minus any preservatives or chemicals. Making ginger beer at home gives you the privilege to have it anytime. Let’s look at two varieties of ginger beer, one is simplified and the other is authentic ginger beer. The simplified ginger beer is ready in 2-3 days and authentic ginger beer requires 4 to 6 weeks to finish. The authentic ginger beer takes longer due to the ginger bug used in it.
Simplified Ginger Beer
Ingredients
Peeled grated ginger (¼ cup)
Cream of Tartar (½ teaspoon)
Lemon juice (¼ cup)
Sugar (1 cup)
Bakers yeast (1 teaspoon)
Water
Instructions
- Combine ginger, lemon juice, and cream of tartar in a big pot and add four cups of water to it and fully boil it.
- Bring down the heat once it is fully boiling and add sugar. Stir till the sugar dissolves completely.
- Add another five cups of water to this mixture and let it cool to 23 degrees Celsius or 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Once cool, stir in the yeast.
- Place the pot covered with a towel in a dark and warm area of the house. Leave it aside for 3 hours.
- Finely strain the mixture into a pitcher to remove ginger bits.
- Store the liquid in glass bottles that have swing tops. Fill only ⅔ part of the bottle leaving room for carbon dioxide that is formed during fermentation. Pressure can explode the bottles if fully filled.
- Keep the bottles in a dark and warm area for 2 to 3 days allowing them to ferment. Make sure to open it thrice a day to release the pressure.
- Refrigerate the beer if you like, but that will stop the fermentation. Fermentation continues at room temperature.
Authentic Ginger Beer
Authentic ginger beer involves two steps, first ginger bug, and second is yeast. This makes it a good probiotic beverage that enhances the digestive system when consumed regularly.
Step 1: Ginger Bug
Ingredients
Peeled and grated fresh ginger ( 2 to 3 tablespoons)
Sugar (2 to 3 tablespoons)
Water (2 cups)
Jar ( preferably glass)
Cloth or towel
Rubber bands
Instructions
- Combine ginger, sugar, and water in a jar. Stir the sugar with a non-metal spoon till fully dissolved.
- Seal the jar with a cloth or towel and rubber bands.
- Allow it to sit at room temperature for 5 to 7 days. Open it once daily and add 2 to 3 teaspoons of sugar and grated ginger to it.
- Once it is ready, you will see bubbles being formed. Even when disturbed it should fix and will release a strong smell similar to yeast.
Step 2: Ginger Beer
Ingredients
Peeled and grated ginger root (2 x 8 inches approx. )
Filtered water (1. 8 gallons)
Sea salt (½ teaspoon)
White or brown sugar (3 cups)
Lemon juice (⅓ cup)
Ginger bug (2 cups)
Instructions
- Put together ginger, salt, sugar, and water (1 gallon) in a pot. Boil it for 5 minutes and simmer for another 5 minutes. Diffuse the ginger by stirring regularly.
- Remove the pot from heat and add the leftover water. Let it cool at room temperature.
- Finely strain it.
- Add ginger bugs when the mixture is at room temperature. A hot mixture will kill the ginger bug.
- Stir in the lemon juice.
- Store it in glass bottles that have swing tops. Fill only ⅔ part of the bottle leaving room for carbon dioxide that is formed during fermentation. Pressure can explode the bottles if fully filled.
- Store in a dark and warm area for 10 days and allow it to ferment. Relieve the pressure by loosening the caps a few times during the day.
- Refrigerate the beer if you like, but that will stop the fermentation. Fermentation continues at room temperature.
Note: Ginger beer becomes drier and less sweet if fermented for a long time. If you like sweet ginger beer, add sugar and ferment it for a short period. You can also add fruits or liquor to customize it.
Conclusion
Homemade ginger beer is more subtle than commercial ginger beer. It is healthier and ginger beer has no side effects. It also serves as a good base for Moscow mules and is a great alternative for fizzy drinks.
Ginger beer when consumed regularly can improve your digestion. Enjoy the tasty beverage with a punch of ginger.
FAQs
Is ginger beer healthy?
Yes, ginger beer is healthy as it has no chemicals or preservatives.
Is ginger beer bad for you?
Ginger beer is not bad for you. The active ingredients in it are a great source of many minerals.
Is ginger beer good for your stomach?
Yes, ginger beer has active agents gingerol and shogaol that aids digestion by producing saliva and bile.
Is ginger beer good for weight loss?
Yes, ginger beer can help in weight loss as the active agents stimulate pancreatic lipase, and improve bile production which results in the burning of body fat.
Should you refrigerate ginger beer?
You can refrigerate ginger beer if you like but know that it stalls the fermentation process.
What is the side effect of ginger?
A small quantity of ginger beer has no side effects but if mixed with some medications it may prevent blood from clotting.
