Ginger cookies can be high in sugar and fat content.
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Ginger cookies fall into the category of "empty calories," according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's dietary guidelines. You should consume empty calorie foods in moderation. Columbia College recommends that you allot 260 calories in a 2,000-calorie diet to the foods you want, which can include empty calories. Eating ginger cookies has some major drawbacks because of their fat and sugar content, but they also contain some essential nutrients.
Calories and Fat
Ginger cookies serve as a moderate source of calories, since a 2-ounce portion of gingersnaps contains 236 calories, while an equivalent portion of gingerbread cookies contains 252 calories. Whichever variety you choose, you'll spend the majority of your discretionary calories for the day in only one serving. Both types of ginger cookies are moderately high in fat, with one serving of gingersnaps providing 5.5 grams of fat and one serving of gingerbread cookies providing 7.3 grams of fat. Fat is calorie-dense, so that even though fat serves as a potent source of energy, it is also easy to overeat when you consume foods that have a lot of fat. Additionally, the saturated fat found in both types of ginger cookies negatively affects your blood cholesterol, which can put you at risk for cardiovascular disease.
Added Sugar
Ginger cookies also contain significant amounts of sugar, thanks in part to the added table sugar and molasses that sweeten them. Eating 2 ounces of gingersnaps boosts your sugar intake by 11.3 grams, while gingerbread cookies contain 10.9 grams of sugar per serving. This sugar increases the level of acidity in your mouth, which dissolves the enamel covering your teeth and contributes to tooth decay. Because it's high in calories, sugar also contributes to obesity, and might increase your risk of cardiovascular disease.
Beneficial Minerals
Despite their drawbacks, ginger cookies offer some nutritional value, and boost your iron and manganese intakes. Iron plays a key role in energy production, and it supports tissue health by helping red blood cells carry oxygen to your tissues. Gingersnaps contain 3.6 milligrams of iron per serving -- a significant amount toward the 8 and 18 milligrams recommended daily for men and women, respectively -- while gingerbread cookies contain 2 milligrams of iron. Gingersnaps also contain manganese, which is a mineral involved in wound healing and which also supports your metabolism. Each serving contains 882 micrograms of manganese, which contributes 49 percent toward the recommended daily intake for women and 38 percent for men.
Vitamin Content
Ginger cookies also offer beneficial niacin, as well as folate. The niacin in ginger cookies promotes healthy cell development, controls gene activity and aids in cell-to-cell communication. A serving of gingersnaps or gingerbread cookies provides roughly 1.8 milligrams of niacin -- 13 and 11 percent of the daily niacin intakes recommended for women and men, respectively. Both types of ginger cookies also contain folate, which is a vitamin needed for red blood cell production and healthy cell growth. Gingersnaps offer 49 micrograms of folate per serving -- 12 percent of your recommended daily intake -- and gingerbread contains 45 micrograms.
FAQs
Beneficial Minerals
What does gingerbread do to your body? ›
Surprising benefits
Research shows it may aid in digestion, reduce nausea and help fight the common cold and flu. It's also believed ginger may support weight management, help manage arthritis and may also alleviate menstrual symptoms. Molasses is another ingredient sometimes found in gingerbread.
Do ginger biscuits have any benefits? ›
Studies show that consumption of ginger biscuits may help regulate glucose levels and hence is recommended for diabetes. Ginger biscuits also have anti-inflammatory effects, thereby are important for problems like rheumatoid arthritis, bursitis, ulcerative colitis and bursitis.
Are ginger snaps good for your stomach? ›
Some people find ginger shots, typically concentrated forms of ginger, effective in providing quick relief from nausea. Foods that contain ginger. Low-sugar gingersnap cookies and other ginger-infused snacks can be a pleasant way to consume ginger when experiencing stomach discomfort.
Do ginger snap cookies have a lot of sugar? ›
They're Lower in Sugar Than Some Other Cookies
When you do have dessert, an ounce of ginger snaps will set you back 5.65 grams of sugar, which is equal to just less than 1 1/2 teaspoons. For comparison, an ounce of chocolate chip or sugar cookies contains about 10.5 grams of sugar, which is about 2 1/2 teaspoons.
How unhealthy are gingerbread cookies? ›
It is important to note that despite their many health benefits, gingerbread cookies and cakes are often loaded with sugar and unhealthy fats, so too much of a good thing can be bad. Check out some of our favorite recipes that feature ginger for more inspiration!
Is ginger good for the kidneys? ›
Studies confirm ginger's kidney-healing properties. One of them concludes that “ginger provides evidence for kidney protection and reduces severity of damage” caused to kidneys.
Do ginger biscuits contain real ginger? ›
Ginger Biscuit is particularly flavored with powdered ginger, with hints of other spices like nutmeg and cinnamon.
Is ginger cookies good to eat? ›
Ginger cookies can be high in sugar and fat content. Ginger cookies fall into the category of "empty calories," according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's dietary guidelines. You should consume empty calorie foods in moderation.
When not to take ginger? ›
Pregnant or breastfeeding women, people with heart conditions, and people with diabetes should not take ginger without talking to their doctors. DO NOT take ginger if you have a bleeding disorder or if you are taking blood-thinning medications, including aspirin.
Diabetes: Cookies like ginger snaps, gingerbread cookies, or ginger biscuits contain large amounts of sugar. Too much sugar can cause spikes in blood sugar levels or long-term health issues like diabetes.
Does ginger burn belly fat? ›
It can help stimulate the production of digestive enzymes and improve overall digestion. By reducing bloating and improving digestive function, ginger may contribute to a flatter belly appearance, but it won't specifically target fat in that area.
Can you eat too many ginger snaps? ›
How much ginger should you take daily? Ginger is safe to eat daily, but experts recommend limiting yourself to 3 to 4 grams a day — stick to 1 gram daily if you're pregnant. Taking more than 6 grams of ginger a day has been proven to cause gastrointestinal issues such as reflux, heartburn and diarrhea.
Do ginger snaps have actual ginger in them? ›
Cloves, cinnamon and cardamom are important ingredients of these, and the actual ginger taste is not prominent.
Are ginger snaps healthier than other cookies? ›
In conclusion, ginger snaps cookies are not only delicious but also have some nutritional benefits. They contain important nutrients like iron, calcium, and fiber. Ginger, the key ingredient in these cookies, is known for its various health benefits, including aiding digestion and reducing inflammation.
Why are they called ginger snap cookies? ›
These early ginger cookies originated in Europe and came with the German, Dutch, and English settlers to America. Gingersnaps were named from the German or Middle Dutch word snappen, meaning "to seize quickly."
Is gingerbread healthy? ›
Gingerbread's delightful combination of flavours and spices isn't just a treat for the taste buds; it's also a potential boon for your health. From its anti-inflammatory properties to its digestive benefits, gingerbread offers an unexpected array of advantages that can complement a well-rounded diet.
What are the health benefits of eating gingerbread cookies? ›
Here are some reasons why having gingerbread goodies in moderation may not be such a bad idea after all!
- Aids digestion and relieve heartburn. ...
- Promotes healthy bones. ...
- Boosts energy. ...
- Improves blood cells production. ...
- Reduces pain. ...
- May benefit pregnant woman.
It's known for adding flavor to cooking recipes, but it also offers several health benefits. Numerous studies have found that ginger can help improve blood sugar levels, reduce inflammation, relieve pain, strengthen the immune system, and treat nausea and indigestion.
What happens if you eat too many ginger cookies? ›
Can you eat too much ginger? Yes, you can to the point where it leads to an upset tummy. The biggest side effect of ginger is that it tends to accelerate the passage of food and stool via the intestines, inviting restlessness and weakness.
