Is Ginger Ale Bad For You?
Short answer
Ginger ale can be harmful in excess, but it is generally a healthier alternative to other soft drinks and can even carry some health benefits.
Recommended Alternative
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Ginger ale is a type of carbonated drink that is flavored with ginger. Contrary to the widespread belief that ginger ale is a unique substance unto itself, it does fit into the category of soda or soft drinks. However, ginger ale is often considered to be a healthier alternative to other sodas as it generally does not carry as heavy a load of unhealthy baggage as other popular sodas do.
If you want to turn to ginger ale as a healthier alternative to soda, it's important to pay attention to what kind you buy, as not all ginger ale is created equal. Purchasing all-natural ginger ale is the healthiest route to take; this type of ginger ale is not loaded with the harmful chemicals, such as high fructose corn syrup, that some other ginger ale brands are. Furthermore, all-natural ginger ale contains real ginger extract. This allows you to obtain the health benefits of ginger, which include the alleviation of diarrhea, decreased arthritis symptoms, and the treatment of heart conditions and upset stomachs.
When shopping for ginger ale, always check the nutritional labels on the package before assuming that the drink will automatically be healthier than another soda. Many popular ginger ale brands are loaded with just as much sugar and empty calories as other leading soda brands. They can also contain harmful chemicals which can cause an increased risk of cancer and birth defects. If you cannot find an all-natural ginger ale, at least ensure that the ginger ale you buy contains real ginger extract rather than imitation flavoring and does not contain too many calories or "mysterious" chemicals.
Regardless of what type of ginger ale you buy, always be careful to drink it only in moderation, as all ginger ale includes some amount of sugar and empty calories that, if consumed in excess, can be harmful to your health.
Possible short-term side effects
- spike in blood sugar
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heartburn (in excess)
Possible long-term side effects
- weight gain
-
tooth decay
-
thinned blood
Ingredients to be aware of
Benefits
- all-natural ginger ale:
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alleviates arthritis
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alleviates diarrhea
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alleviates nausea
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may decrease risk of cancer
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great source of antioxidants
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promotes heart health
Healthier alternatives
- homemade ginger ale
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tea with ginger
Our Wellness Pick
(what is this?)
Bruce Cost Ginger Ale
- Original unfiltered
- Natural ginger flavor
- 12 oz glass bottles
- Refreshing taste
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Written by Healthy Living 35
Published on: 12-29-2015
Last updated: 12-01-2023
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Healthy Living 35
Published on: 12-29-2015
Last updated: 12-01-2023
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