The imbibing of non-alcoholic drinks for Dry January and beyond is generally promising. Cutting out alcohol allows the liver, skin, brain and digestive system recover. But the simple syrup added in mocktails impedes the recovery process for those vital body systems. Using fruit or root juices as replacements provides healthier sugars, antioxidation and anti-inflammatory benefits. 

Here we look at what pomegranate and ginger can do for the gut and brain.

Pomegranate can minimize chronic inflammation and neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s (AD). IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease) may benefit from pomegranate’s phenols because they have anti-inflammatory properties. Ellagitannin is in high concentrations in pomegranates with promising therapeutic uses for IBD and AD. Both inflammation and oxidative stress lead to AD in aged brains. The juice or extract of the entire fruit has enough good stuff to act in two ways against AD: a preventative via antioxidant activity and a therapeutic by amyloid reduction. Three to 16 ounces of pomegranate juice have been shown to reduce chronic inflammation.

Freshly grating ginger results in a nice strong juice and is used in Ayurveda for upset stomach. Because it both stimulates digestion and hinders indigestion, ginger mocktails are perfect as an aperitif or digestive. Ginger can also lower chronic inflammation and beta-amyloids through its inhibition of cytokines, thus acting as a neuroprotectant. Cognitive decline can also be improved through its pungent compound 6-shogaol.

Pomegranate Ginger Mocktail Recipe

This pomegranate ginger mocktail is perfect for not reconciling with sugar after the break up during Valentine’s month. The amounts are based on personal preference.

Ginger juice freshly grated (approx. 1 tsp)

Pomegranate juice (5 oz)

Pomegranates (approx. 1 tbsp)

Ginger beer (2 oz)

Carbonated H2O (enough to top off)

Add the pomegranate juice and mix in ginger juice to the desired amount. Add pomegranates to desired amount and top off with ginger beer and H2O.

Enjoy in a lovely cocktail glass with or without ice.

Tip: Pomegranate may be too tart for some, so adding a drop of honey may help.

Ginger beer has some cane sugar, so use it sparingly.

Note that this drink contains naturally occurring fruit sugar. Ginger can lower glucose levels in blood.

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