Many of us are used to drinking ginger ale to help alleviate an upset stomach. But does it really help? Berkeley Wellness notes:

Studies have found that ginger and ginger extracts can be effective for alleviating some types of nausea and vomiting, such as that related to pregnancy and following surgery, attributed to compounds, called gingerols, which may have anti-inflammatory and other soothing effects in the gastrointestinal tract. Doses used in studies have ranged from 250 milligrams to 1 gram, taken one to four times a day.

However, there’s much research supporting the medicinal benefits of ginger ale. “While some major brands of ginger ale, such as Canada Dry, do actually contain ginger extract (listed as “natural flavors” on the label), soda manufacturers won’t reveal the exact amounts — which are likely to be quite small — since it is considered proprietary information,” Berkeley Wellness says.

The upshot: Ginger ale may make you feel better because you have good memories of it helping when you were younger, but it’s quite possibly all in your head. You may be better off with a cup of ginger tea.

Photo by Laszlo Burdi.