The consumption of caffeine-free beverage ginger ale during pregnancy can relieve you of your morning sickness and nausea. In addition, this drink containing ginger may prevent digestive problems commonly experienced by pregnant women. If you are craving a refreshing drink while pregnant, you can enjoy this in a moderate quantity. The beverage may tingle your taste buds but also provide you with good health benefits. Scroll through to know about ginger ale, including its benefits for pregnant women and a recipe for an easy homemade ginger ale.
What Is Ginger Ale?
Ginger ale is a popular soft drink that usually contains carbonated water, sugar and ginger flavor. The use of ginger gives a natural flavor and aroma to the drink. Pineapple and honey may also be additional ingredients in ginger ale. It may also contain yeast if it is carbonated through natural fermentation.
What Are The Health Benefits Of Ginger?
Ginger boosts your health in the following ways (1):
It helps keep gastrointestinal issues at bay. According to the American Academy of Obstetrics and Gynecology, ginger is an effective non pharmaceutical remedy for vomiting and nausea (2).
It can reduce fever and alleviate muscle or joint pains (3).
It helps regulate blood pressure.
Ginger contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties. It can help reduce symptoms of certain inflammatory conditions.
It can help improve digestion and reduce bloating after a meal.
Ginger is rich in antioxidants, which may prevent certain cancers (5)
It can improve the functioning of the immune system, protecting the body from diseases.
Is It Safe To Drink Ginger Ale During Pregnancy?
Ginger ale is a caffeine-free drink, so it is mostly alright to sip on some while you are pregnant (4). According to the American Family Physician, ginger has some antiemetic effects. These happen at the same level as your central nervous system and gastrointestinal system. While you are pregnant, you should drink a ginger ale that contains ginger. It should approximately contain 3/4th cup of ginger in a mixture of two quart.
What Are The Benefits Of Drinking Ginger Ale During Pregnancy?
Drinking ginger ale does have certain benefits:
It prevents indigestion.
Ginger ale also prevents motion sickness.
It is a home remedy for sore throats or coughs.
Chau Che of New York University says that ginger ale is an effective remedy to reduce nausea that is common during pregnancy. According to him, ginger is as effective as vitamin B6.
Ginger ale regulates your blood sugar levels. When you are pregnant, you may experience a drop in your sugar levels. Taking small sips of ginger ale can help fight low sugar level-induced morning sickness during your pregnancy.
As per the USDA National Nutrient Database, there are traces of iron, calcium, and sodium in ginger ale (5).
Ginger ale has anti-inflammatory properties good for the mother and the fetus. These properties may also prevent miscarriage.
How To Make Ginger Ale At Home?
In case you want to sip on some ginger ale but do not want to have a commercial one, here is how you can make it at home:
You Will Need:
A cup of sugar, approximately 225 gm Ginger root in freshly grated form, approximately 30 gm Lime juice or grapefruit juice (if you do not like lemon) Some fresh granular active baker’s yeast, approximately 1.6 gm Some regular cold water
How To:
Use a funnel to pour a cup of sugar in a bottle. Leave it aside.
Now take 1/4thteaspoon of the fresh granular active baker’s yeast and add it to the bottle through the same funnel. Shake the bottle properly so that the sugar granules and the yeast mix up completely.
In a measuring bowl, add the ginger root and the lemon or grapefruit juice. Mix the two and add it to the bottle.
Pour a little cold water into the bottle. Close its lid and shake well. It will activate the yeast and kickstart carbonation.
As the fizz settles down, open the cap and fill the bottle with cool water till it’s 3/4th Close the lid again and shake well. Place this bottle in a warm place for about 48 hours to help the yeast ferment. After this time, refrigerate it overnight and remember to open the lid slowly when you want to sip.
