You stand in front of shelves in a bottle shop and see ginger beer – your reaction is probably one of two. The people who like it are passionate about it and always have one in the cupboard. Those who don’t steer well clear and hate the thought of it. But you may know that ginger offers many health benefits (we’ll explain some of them in the next section, don’t worry!). So you may be wondering whether this carries across to ginger beer such as Bundaberg alcoholic ginger beer. We’ve gathered all the info you need!
Health Benefits of Ginger
We said we’d start with the health benefits of ginger and here we are. We’re talking something that has medicinal properties. Ginger has been a staple in traditional medicine for its various health benefits. It has bioactive compounds and all sorts of nutrients.
- Digestive aid: Those who often experience digestive problems or nausea will love ginger beer.
- Anti-inflammatory: There’s also something to be said for a relief from stiffness and muscle pain (something we all hate!).
- Immune system support: You may also have superpowers to fight off infections and boost immunity.
Nutritional Content of Ginger Beer
The nutrients seem to go missing in ginger beer but this isn’t to say you won’t get some minerals and vitamins. The fact that it contains ginger means that you can’t escape them. Nonetheless, it’s worth noting the calorie and sugar content, which can vary greatly between commercial and homemade versions. On average, a 12-ounce serving contains around 140 calories and 38 grams of sugar, which is relatively high.
Potential Health Drawbacks
The sugar content is a worry for those with diabetes worries so keep this in mind. We all know that sugar is bad. It’s linked with a manner of problems including weight gain, diabetes, and heart disease. Additionally, some commercial varieties may contain preservatives and artificial additives that can be detrimental to health.
Comparison with Regular Beer
This is just the same as traditional beer, right? Don’t anger the connoisseurs. While ginger beer can be naturally fermented, most modern versions are not alcoholic or are only lightly so, typically containing less than 0.5% alcohol. On the other hand, regular beer contains varying levels of alcohol, which can have a range of health implications.
Alcohol Content
You want to look after your health then you need to remember the alcohol content of beer. Alcohol, when consumed in moderation, may have some cardiovascular benefits, although it is also linked to an increased risk of certain cancers and liver disease.
Making Ginger Beer Healthier
Homemade Recipes
You know exactly what your ginger beer contains when you’re the one in control of the ingredients (hooray!). You can get fresh ginger in your weekly shop as well as natural sweeteners like honey or stevia, and skip any artificial additives. You can create a healthier alternative to store-bought ginger beer.
Low-Sugar Alternatives
You can also find diet and low-sugar versions of most alcohol these days, though it seems sacrilegious to some. These are typically sweetened with artificial sweeteners or a blend of natural and artificial sweeteners. It’s important to consider the balance between decreasing sugar intake and consuming artificial additives when opting for these varieties.
