Grandma's

Kadha

Vs Modern Immunity Shots: Which Works Better

The Science Behind Kadha

Turns out grandmothers knew all along what was good for you when a cold plagues your system. And now, even studies have started supporting what the wise old folks already knew. A study published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) found that combining ginger and turmeric at a specific ratio showed synergistic anti-inflammatory effects, with the combination being more potent than either ingredient alone.

Another clinical trial on COVID-19 patients found that both turmeric and ginger significantly reduced inflammatory markers (like C-reactive protein) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate compared to the control group. The active compounds – curcumin from turmeric and shogaols from ginger – work together to reduce inflammation and support immune function.

Cold-Pressed Immunity Shots

Walk down any “upmarket”, posh street today, lined with shiny glass-panelled cafes, and you'll spot bottles of wellness juices lining their shelves or on their menus. These are nothing but bottles of cold-pressed immunity shots. These concentrated wellness shots typically contain cold-pressed juice from lemon, orange, and ginger, formulated to stimulate circulation, fight infections, and enhance immunity.

What Makes Them ‘Cold-Pressed’?

What happens during cold-pressed juicing is that a heavy press squeezes out liquid while removing pulp and seeds, without using heat that could destroy vitamins and minerals. The method preserves more nutrients than traditional juicing methods that generate heat through high-speed blender blades. Modern immunity shots often feature ingredients like ginger, lemon, turmeric, amla, black pepper and honey, concentrated into 30-50ml servings.

The appeal is undeniable – grab a shot, down it in seconds, and you're done. At around  ₹100 per shot when purchased in bulk, these products offer convenience for busy lifestyles. No boiling, no straining, no waiting and no utensils needed.

Head-to-Head Comparison

For kadha, the boiling process extracts water-soluble compounds but may reduce heat-sensitive vitamins like vitamin C. However, the heat helps extract and activate beneficial compounds like curcumin and shogaols, and creates synergistic interactions between ingredients. As for immunity shots, cold-pressing preserves more heat-sensitive vitamins and minerals by not introducing excessive heat during extraction. However, the preservation advantage may be overstated for ingredients like ginger and turmeric, which aren't particularly heat-sensitive.

The Fibre Content

Kadha also tends to retain some soluble fibre from the herbs and spices, though the decoction is strained. The drink helps stimulate digestion and can support gut health. Immunity shots, though, barely have much fibre, for the cold-pressing process removes most of it, particularly insoluble fibre from the pulp. Research also shows that juice has less fibre than whole fruit or vegetables, and fruit juices in particular are likely to have a higher glycemic index than whole fruit.

The Sugar Content

Traditionally sweetened with minimal honey or jaggery, if at all, kadha has a bitter, spicy profile that naturally limits sugar content. Most recipes contain less than 5 grams of sugar per serving. One 250ml serving of immunity shot, on the other hand, from a popular cold-pressed juice company, can contain 20 grams of sugar. Even vegetable-rich shots often include apple or orange juice, so it's easier to stomach.

What Science Suggests

Research, when it comes to kadha, found that regular consumption of Ayurvedic kadha may significantly boost host immunity and help in the prevention of viral infection by reducing disease severity. Multiple clinical trials support the anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating effects of kadha ingredients.

Research on nutrient intake (for immunity shots) shows it takes 14-16 weeks of daily juice consumption to see significant changes in blood nutrient levels and health outcomes. Most individual ingredients have research support, but certain combinations are less studied.

The Cost

Homemade kadha costs as low as ₹20 per herbal pack (all you need to do is dissolve the contents in hot water). If making at home, the ingredients are pantry staples for most Indian households and barely cost much. Whereas immunity shots go from ₹100 and upwards for a single pack.

Limitations to Consider

One concerning study found that long-term, excessive use of curcumin as an anti-inflammatory supplement can suppress type 1 immunity in certain conditions. This suggests moderation is important – kadha shouldn't be consumed multiple times in a day or even weekly. Breaks between days are important. Traditional wisdom recommends drinking kadha once a week for three weeks, followed by a two-week gap before resuming.

The main drawback to wellness shots is that they often have added sweeteners, sometimes dozens of grams, and too much added sugar can suppress immune function and promote inflammation. Dietitians emphasise that juice tends to be low in protein and inadequate in fibre, and doesn't teach individuals how to eat properly. Studies indicate that people who drink juices tend to add them to their diets rather than substitute them for other foods, thus increasing total calorie consumption.

The Bottom Line

Grandma's kadha is more than just nostalgia – it's scientifically sound wellness wisdom packaged in a cup. The traditional formulation offers a superior boost in terms of ingredients, better blood sugar control, more fibre, and costs pennies compared to trendy immunity shots. Neither alone is a magic bullet as well and immunity shots have earned their keep too, as they're portable, have a better shelf life (when properly processed), and require zero preparation.