Ginger shots have surged in popularity in recent years, and it's easy to see why with their numerous health benefits. This article explores the potential weight loss benefits of a lemon ginger cayenne concoction, examining the science behind each ingredient and offering practical advice on how to incorporate it into your diet.
Why This Wellness Shot?
This particular wellness shot is primarily made up of fresh ginger, fresh lemon, and apple. Less than a teaspoon cayenne pepper gives it an extra kick (for those who like a challenge) and maple syrup is our chef’s sweetener of choice.
The apple helps to balance the ginger and lemon while supporting weight loss and boosting the metabolism. At only 21 calories per 4 oz shot, you can easily add this into your daily routine even if you are watching your calorie count. Adding the cayenne not only gives this shot an extra flavor kick, it also gives your metabolism a kick too!
The Powerhouse Ingredients
Let's break down the individual contributions of lemon, ginger, and cayenne pepper to weight loss:
Lemon: A Zesty Aid
Lemons are well known around the world for their sharp, sour flavor and for being an excellent source of vitamin C and antioxidants. Lemons have been used both as a flavoring and as a main ingredient in many teas. Lemon juice is believed to support cleansing. It has been shown to reduce insulin resistance and the amount of fat stored in the body.
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Ginger: The Digestive Dynamo
Ginger, a flowering root plant, contains vitamin C, magnesium, and potassium. It’s been used for centuries to soothe digestive issues. Ginger has certain enzymes in ginger that can help with bloating, help ease constipation and help with nausea. If you’re dealing with IBS symptoms, this may help to reduce some of your symptoms. Ginger can also help with morning sickness and even cancer-induced nausea and vomiting.
Research has shown that ginger can decrease your hunger and increase how many calories you burn during digestion. Ginger may aid in weight loss. Ginger contains compounds that may increase the thermic effect of food, which increases the calories burned to break down food. However, solely adding ginger to your diet will mostly not result in significant weight loss. In studies, they found it only increased calorie burn by about 50 calories. Ginger may also increase ghrelin, a hormone that controls hunger levels and could reduce appetite and help you to feel less hungry.
Cayenne Pepper: The Metabolic Igniter
Some people claim that cayenne pepper may help you lose weight by curbing your appetite and boosting your metabolism. The main active ingredient in cayenne peppers is capsaicin, which is responsible for their spicy taste and color. Capsaicin may also have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and pain-relieving properties that could help fight certain conditions.
A 2021 study found that capsaicin may contribute to overall weight loss by: promoting internal fat-burning processes, increasing feelings of fullness, increasing how many calories you burn, reducing food consumption. A 2017 review also found that capsaicin may help activate brown fat, a type of body fat that helps your body maintain warmth in a process called thermogenesis. This may contribute to burning calories. Lastly, a 2018 study found that taking 4 milligrams (mg) of capsaicin supplements for 12 weeks helped decrease body fat percentage.
Health Benefits Beyond Weight Loss
Beyond its potential weight loss benefits, this wellness shot offers a range of other health advantages:
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- High in Vitamin C and Potassium: Both lemon and apple juice have a ton of vitamin C. Apple and maple syrup are rich in potassium.
- Supports Immune System: Every ingredient (besides maple syrup) can aid one’s immune system and help fight off colds.
- Anti-inflammatory: Almost every ingredient in this wellness shot has anti-inflammatory properties.
- Antioxidants: Apple and lemon are both rich in antioxidants.
- Increases Energy: Apple and maple syrup are known to help improve energy levels.
- Reduces Cholesterol: Ginger may help to reduce total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.
- Aids digestion: Ginger shots are a better option to help with your digestion. There are certain enzymes in ginger that can help with bloating, help ease constipation and help with nausea.
Making Your Own Lemon Ginger Cayenne Shot
Ready to try this wellness shot at home? Here’s a basic recipe you can adapt to your liking:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice, from about 3 to 4 large lemons
- 1 cup orange juice or 3 oranges juiced
- 2 ounces fresh ginger
- Optional: 1 to 3 teaspoons honey, 1 to 2 dashes cayenne pepper, 1/2 teaspoon turmeric, dash black pepper
Preparation:
- Peel ginger and chop into small pieces.
- Add all ingredients to a high-powered blender.
- Pour mixture through a fine-mesh strainer to squeeze any residual liquid from pulp.
- Store liquid in a large container. To drink, measure 1- to 2-ounce portions at a time.
This recipe will make about six to eight shots and will keep in the refrigerator for three to five days.
Considerations and Potential Risks
While generally safe, it's important to be aware of potential side effects and interactions:
- Ginger: May cause heartburn for some people. It’s best to have ginger juice diluted to prevent any digestive symptoms from consuming it. If you have a sensitive digestive system, start with a small portion, 0.5 to 1 ounces, before increasing intake. Ginger at high doses can also be a mild blood thinner.
- Cayenne Pepper: Side effects from eating cayenne pepper or taking capsaicin supplements are rare. If cayenne pepper gets in your eye, you may experience burning, stinging, or watering eyes. Other reported side effects include: diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, elevated body temperature.
- Drug Interactions: Ginger may interact with diabetes medication and medications for high blood pressure. It can lower blood sugar and lower blood pressure, so use caution when taking ginger if you are on any of those types of medications.
Cautionary Note: It is important to exercise caution with any cleanse or dietary change. Check with your doctor before starting.
The Master Cleanse: A Word of Caution
The famous “Master Cleanse” consists of drinking a sweet and spicy lemonade created by Stanley Burroughs in 1941. It is a short-term cleanse usually done over a 10-day period. There are many claims that this drink helps to clear out built-up toxins in your body which encourages weight loss and help you feel focused and energized.
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The Master Cleanse diet is neither safe nor sustainable. It doesn’t provide sufficient essential nutrients and may cause headaches, fatigue, and irritability. Any weight loss that may occur comes from being in a calorie deficit rather than the cayenne pepper. You’ll most likely regain the weight afterward, too.
Sustainable Weight Loss Strategies
Taking cayenne pepper alone will not cause weight loss. A healthy, sustainable weight loss program includes exercising, eating a well-balanced diet, staying hydrated, and getting enough sleep. If you want to lose weight but are unsure where to start, speak with a healthcare professional.