Are Wellness Shots Worth Your Time and Money?
As a tired mother dealing with a constantly sick toddler, I am always searching for a magical solution that can boost my immunity, recharge my energy, and give my skin a healthy glow (like before having a baby). While I typically prefer to eat my nutrients rather than drink them, the sight of people carrying small vials of turmeric has made me curious about the benefits of wellness shots.
Wheatgrass shots have been popular for some time, but now juice bars offer a variety of wellness shots with ingredients like ginger, turmeric, apple cider vinegar, aloe, and matcha. These 2-ounce health tonics cost around $4 to $5 and are essentially concentrated versions of cold-pressed juices.
They say good things come in small packages (like diamonds!) and wellness shots are being praised as a quick and easy way to get essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants into your diet. While they are marketed as healthy, are wellness shots truly beneficial? Before jumping on the bandwagon, I consulted with Monica Auslander Moreno, a registered dietitian, to understand the truth behind wellness shots.
Are wellness shots actually beneficial for you?
While they are not harmful, wellness shots may not significantly improve your health either. Moreno expresses skepticism about wellness shots, stating that these small amounts do not replace a balanced diet. Instead of relying on wellness shots, Moreno recommends focusing on homemade salads and consuming real food. However, if your diet lacks fruits, vegetables, and spices, there is no harm in trying certain wellness shots as long as they do not interact negatively with your medications. Moreno suggests creating your own blends rather than purchasing store-bought versions to save money and avoid unnecessary sugars.
Can wellness shots help with a cold?
When Moreno is under the weather, she makes her own concoction of turmeric, black pepper, garlic, oregano, and Manuka honey. While this homemade remedy may offer some relief, Moreno emphasizes that overall immunity and nutrition are complex issues that cannot be solved by a single ingredient or shot. Rest and a healthy diet are crucial for combating illnesses.
What are the best wellness shots to try?
For those considering adding wellness shots to their routine, Moreno provides insights into the nutrition of popular health boosters. Turmeric, for example, contains curcumin, a powerful compound known
Turmeric is well-known for its anti-inflammatory properties, making it beneficial for muscular and connective tissue repair, as well as alleviating gastrointestinal inflammation. Athletes and individuals with conditions like Crohn’s disease, ulcers, and colitis are recommended to incorporate turmeric into their diets. While turmeric may not cure conditions like Crohn’s, research suggests it can help manage symptoms. For optimal activation of turmeric, it should be consumed with black pepper. Ginger, another anti-inflammatory, is known for easing nausea, bloating, and muscle cramping. It also contains antioxidants that benefit skin health. However, consuming ginger in excessive amounts may not be suitable, especially for those with reflux issues. Apple cider vinegar, despite claims of weight management benefits, only has mild effects on blood sugars and satiety. Drinking apple cider vinegar straight can harm the esophagus and unpasteurized versions should be avoided during pregnancy. Wheatgrass, rich in essential vitamins and minerals, is often consumed as a wellness shot. However, it is just another plant with nutrients that can be obtained from a balanced diet. While wellness shots can be enjoyable and make you feel good, they are not essential if a diet rich in fruits and vegetables is maintained.
