These delicious, vibrant pomegranate ginger shots pack a potent punch of nutritional goodness. The ingredients offer a diverse mix of antioxidants and phytonutrients, which work to fight off inflammation, boost brain function, and ease symptoms of joint pain. You only need pomegranates and ginger root to make this recipe come alive, although you can include fresh lemon juice to amp up the nutrition and flavor.

Antioxidants are compounds that help protect the body’s cells from free radical damage. A high presence of free radicals in the system can increase the risk of oxidative stress, which contributes to a number of chronic illnesses. Pomegranates are particularly rich in polyphenic compounds, including anthocyanins, punicalagins, and hydrolyzable tannins. Some of these antioxidants exhibit anti-inflammatory activity, which may help ease symptoms of inflammatory disorders. According to several studies, punicalagins have demonstrated the most anti-inflammatory properties. More research is necessary, but pomegranate juice may help reduce certain markers of inflammation.

Pomegranates color the drink and offer a sweetly tart flavor, but ginger is the other star of the show in these wellness shots. Ginger contains gingerol, a natural compound that benefits gastrointestinal motility, the rate at which food exits the stomach. Consuming ginger also helps relieve the discomforts of nausea due to pregnancy, chemotherapy, and bloating or gas.

As you can see, starting your day with a shot of these two ingredients will only benefit you. Plus, the lively flavor will help energize you, so much so, that you may not even need caffeine! Try them out and let us know how you like them.