It’s not always necessary to consume coffee or energy drinks loaded with caffeine and additives to recharge your batteries. Shots made with natural ingredients can also cheer you up and are much healthier.
The daily consumption of sugary energy drinks or those full of sweetening additives is not good for your health or your figure. Even those who drink too much coffee aren’t doing their bodies any good in the long run, especially if they’re hypersensitive to caffeine. An alternative is homemade natural energy shots. They are made up of natural ingredients and provide you with important vitamins and nutrients that give you new energy.
Drinks and juices containing ginger are all the rage. They help boost the immune system, speed up metabolism and ensure strengthened skin and hair. It can also increase concentration. It’s possible to buy these healthy ginger drinks at the supermarket, where they’re usually found in the cold section, or you can simply make them yourself at home.
GINGER IS A SUPERFOOD
Energy shots owe their positive effects mainly to the ginger they contain. The properties of ginger are mainly due to its richness in volatile oils, phenolic compounds (called gingerols, shoagols and gingeronas), proteolytic enzymes, linoleic acid, vitamins (especially vitamin B6 and vitamin C) and minerals (calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium).
The ginger formula has a powerful anti-inflammatory and stimulating effect on the metabolism. It can even be useful as a supplement to lose weight when you concentrate on one shot, within the framework of a balanced natural diet and a healthy lifestyle that includes regular physical exercise. In addition, it promotes blood circulation and is effective as a home remedy against colds.
WITH CITRUS FRUIT JUICE, RICH IN VITAMIN C
Many shot recipes also contain citrus. The vitamin C present in these fruits has a positive effect on the immune system. It acts as an antioxidant and, therefore, as a radical scavenger. It also promotes the absorption of iron, so it prevents and fights anemia, one of the main symptoms of which is tiredness.
Vitamin C is also involved in wound healing, significantly aids in the formation of collagen, and thus contributes to the strength of connective tissue, cartilage, and bones.
LESS IS MORE
Unlike juices or smoothies, shots are drunk in small quantities, since the ingredients are very concentrated, especially the dose of ginger. Its pungent taste is appealing to some people, but others need to get used to it. That’s why it’s recommended to drink them quickly, about the amount of a shot glass you take in one gulp.
This small dose is enough for the body to benefit from the positive effects of natural ingredients and gain new strength. It is advisable to take them in the morning to activate the metabolism, especially during the cold season.
With a little agave syrup, you can counteract the intense ginger flavor. If the intensity of the flavor doesn’t concern you, you can add cayenne pepper or turmeric to the energy drink to multiply its effects.
3 ENERGY SHOTS TO MAKE AT HOME
There are numerous variations, here are three simple recipe ideas to make at home. You can modify the ingredients to your liking. With practice, you’ll be able to make your own custom energy shot.
You can process the ginger with your blender, but if the mixture is not thin, you can add the juice you get by squeezing it in a garlic press. To extract every last drop, you can squeeze the remaining pulp with your hands.
1. GRAPEFRUIT AND GINGER SHOT
Ingredients
- 40 g organic ginger
- 3 grapefruits
- 2 tablespoons agave syrup
Preparation:
- Wash the ginger well and cut it into thin slices.
- Then cut the three grapefruits in half, squeeze them out and put the juice in a blender with the ginger.
- Add the agave syrup
- Mix everything together until you get a uniform liquid.
- The energy drink is strained and stored in a bottle. You can squeeze the remaining polish with your hands to get as much juice as possible.
Store the drink in the refrigerator. It is advisable to consume it whole within five days and drink a small amount, for example, a full shot glass, once a day.
2. ORANGE, APPLE & LEMON ENERGY SHOT
Ingredients:
- 50 g organic ginger
- 2 or 3 oranges
- 1 small apple
- a few drops of lemon
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper or turmeric
Preparation:
- Wash the ginger carefully, cut it into small slices and put it in the blender cup.
- Wash the apple and cut it into slices as well. Add to the blender.
- Cut the oranges in half and squeeze them, then add the juice to the other ingredients.
- Add a few drops of lemon to the mixture.
- If you wish, you can increase the power of the shot with a little cayenne pepper or turmeric.
- Pour the mixture through a fine sieve into a bottle. Squeeze the remaining pulp with your hands.
You can enjoy a small amount of the drink immediately after making it. Store the rest in the refrigerator and consume within up to five days.
3. HOT & AROMATIC ENERGY SHOT
Ingredients:
- 200 ml hot water
- A teaspoon and a half of honey
- 10 g fresh ginger
- A spoon tip of ground cardamom
- A turmeric spoon tip
Squeeze the ginger with a garlic head press. Put the juice in the cup, pour in the hot water and add the rest of the ingredients. Mix well with a teaspoon.
