Root Beer Benefits: A Healthy Twist On A Classic

Root beer is a sweet, carbonated soft drink that originated in North America. It is typically non-alcoholic and caffeine-free, and it has a long history of being used for medicinal purposes. While root beer has a loyal fan base due to its light and crisp taste, there are some potential health benefits and drawbacks to consider before consuming it. On the one hand, traditional root beer ingredients like sassafras, sarsaparilla, and wintergreen leaf have been associated with various health benefits in traditional herbal medicine. On the other hand, modern root beers often contain high levels of sugar, artificial sweeteners, and other ingredients that can have negative effects on health, including weight gain, tooth decay, and increased risk of chronic diseases.

Root beer's traditional ingredients

Root beer is a distinctly North American drink with a sweet, herbal flavour that has been made since the colonial era. The drink is traditionally made using the root bark of the sassafras tree or the vine of Smilax ornata (sarsaparilla). However, the list of ingredients in root beer is extensive and varies depending on the recipe used.

Sassafras, which gives root beer its distinctive, slightly mint-like flavour, is traditionally used to purify the blood in folk medicine. It was also used by Native Americans and Europeans for its medicinal qualities. However, due to its carcinogenicity, safrole, a key component of sassafras, was banned by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1960. As a result, sassafras was replaced with artificial sassafras flavouring or wintergreen in commercial root beer recipes.

Sarsaparilla, another primary flavouring ingredient in root beer, is traditionally used as a renal tonic and for skin complexion. Other traditional ingredients include:

• Ginger root, which adds a rich, fiery note to the brew and is used by herbalists to support cardiovascular and metabolic health, as well as for nausea and stomach upset.
• Licorice root, which gives the recipe a subtle, anise-like sweetness that pairs well with sassafras and supports adrenal health.
• Dandelion root, which adds a subtle bitter note to the brew and supports liver health.
• Birch, which also contributes to the distinctive flavour of root beer.
• Allspice
• Birch bark
• Coriander
• Juniper
• Hops
• Burdock root
• Wild cherry bark
• Yellow dock
• Prickly ash bark
• Vanilla beans
• Dog grass
• Molasses
• Cinnamon
• Cassia (bark)
• Clove
• Fennel (seed)
• Star anise
• Anise
• St. John's wort
• Mint
• Barley (malted)

Health benefits of sassafras

Sassafras, a small deciduous tree native to Missouri, has been used for medicinal purposes, particularly in North America. However, it is essential to note that medical professionals do not recommend consuming it due to its toxic effects on humans. Here are some of the purported health benefits of sassafras:

Diuretic Properties

Sassafras was traditionally used as a diuretic, believed to promote skin health and cleanse the blood. Native Americans considered it a miracle cure, although European explorers were less convinced.

Improved Urinary Tract Health

Sassafras tea has been anecdotally linked to improved urinary tract health. However, there is insufficient evidence to support this claim, and it may even worsen certain urinary tract conditions.

Reduced Arthritis Symptoms

Some sources suggest that sassafras tea may help alleviate arthritis symptoms, but there is no scientific research to support this claim.

Clearer Skin and Eyes

Sassafras has been associated with improved skin and eye clarity, but there is no scientific evidence to back this up. On the contrary, it can cause skin rashes in some individuals when applied topically.

Treatment of Sprains

There are anecdotal reports of sassafras being used to treat sprains, but this claim has not been scientifically validated.

Relief from Insect Bites or Stings

Sassafras has been said to reduce itching or swelling from bug bites or stings, although there is insufficient evidence to confirm this.

Boosted Immune Health

Some herbal practitioners believe that sassafras tea can boost immune health, but this claim is not supported by scientific research.

Improved Circulation

Sassafras has been anecdotally linked to improved circulation, but there is no scientific evidence to support this assertion.

Reduced Gout Symptoms

Some sources suggest that sassafras may help reduce gout symptoms, but this claim has not been scientifically proven.

It is important to remember that the possible health benefits of sassafras do not outweigh the risks. Sassafras contains safrole, a compound banned by the FDA due to its carcinogenic and toxic effects. Laboratory studies have shown that it can cause liver damage and cancer in animals, and even a small amount of sassafras oil can be fatal to humans. Therefore, it is best to avoid consuming sassafras or sassafras tea and consult a doctor for suitable treatment options.

Health benefits of sarsaparilla

Sarsaparilla is a tropical plant from the genus Smilax that grows in the rainforests of South America, Jamaica, the Caribbean, Mexico, Honduras, and the West Indies. It has been used for centuries in indigenous medicine to treat joint problems like arthritis and skin issues like psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis. It was also thought to cure Hansen's disease (leprosy) and syphilis due to its "blood-purifying" properties.

• Anti-inflammatory properties: Sarsaparilla contains chemicals called saponins that may help reduce joint pain and swelling associated with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and gout. Animal studies have shown that sarsaparilla extract can reduce paw swelling and arthritis symptoms in rats.
• Antibacterial and antimicrobial effects: Sarsaparilla has been used for centuries to treat major illnesses like Hansen's disease (leprosy) and syphilis, which are caused by bacteria. Recent studies have identified over 18 compounds in sarsaparilla that exhibit antimicrobial effects against bacteria and fungi.
• Anticancer properties: Sarsaparilla has been found to contain chemicals that may help kill cancer cells or slow down their growth. Preclinical studies in breast cancer and liver cancer models have shown the antitumor properties of sarsaparilla. However, more research is needed to confirm its efficacy in cancer prevention and treatment in humans.
• Liver protection: Research in rats has shown that compounds rich in flavonoids from sarsaparilla can help reverse liver damage and improve liver function.
• Skin health: Sarsaparilla's anti-inflammatory and potential antioxidant effects may support skin health. One study found that antioxidants in sarsaparilla root protect against oxidative stress and skin ageing caused by ultraviolet (UV) rays. Another study suggested that an antioxidant flavonoid called astilbin, found in sarsaparilla, may help treat psoriasis by preventing the overproduction of keratinocytes in the skin.

It is important to note that while sarsaparilla has been used medicinally for centuries, many of the studies supporting its health benefits have been conducted on animals or in test tubes, and more human studies are needed to confirm these effects. Additionally, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate herbs and supplements, so it is important to consult a healthcare professional before consuming sarsaparilla or any other herbal product.

Root beer's modern ingredients

Root beer is a distinctly North American drink with a sweet, herbal flavour that has been made since the colonial era. While there is no standard recipe, it is typically non-alcoholic, caffeine-free, sweet, and carbonated. It is traditionally made using the root bark of the sassafras tree or the vine of the sarsaparilla plant as the primary flavour. However, since safrole, a key component of sassafras, was banned by the FDA in 1960 due to its carcinogenicity, most commercial root beers have been flavoured using artificial sassafras flavouring or safrole-free sassafras extract.

The primary ingredients in modern root beer are filtered water, sugar, and safrole-free sassafras extract, which complements other flavours. Common flavourings include vanilla, caramel, wintergreen, black cherry bark, licorice root, sarsaparilla root, nutmeg, acacia, anise, molasses, cinnamon, sweet birch, and honey. Soybean protein or yucca are sometimes used to create a foamy quality, and caramel colouring is used to make the beverage brown.

Some modern root beer brewers have chosen to balance out the missing sassafras with other roots or synthetic flavours, while others have removed the safrole from the sassafras root oil. In addition, some brewers have replaced sassafras with wintergreen, which has a similar flavour profile.

While the traditional herbal recipe has fallen from favour, many homebrewers still make their root beers using this method, simmering a decoction of roots, bark, and spices, adding sugar, and then stirring in a starter culture. Common ingredients in these traditional recipes include sassafras, sarsaparilla, ginger root, birch, licorice root, dandelion root, allspice, coriander, juniper, burdock root, and vanilla beans.

Health concerns about modern root beer

While traditional root beer was consumed for its medicinal qualities, modern root beer has been criticised for its health implications. The soft drink has gained popularity over the years, with many consumers preferring it over diet soda due to its light and crisp taste. However, root beer contains a multitude of ingredients that raise health concerns.

High-Fructose Corn Syrup

One of the main concerns with modern root beer is its high sugar content, particularly the use of high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS). The consumption of HFCS in large quantities has been linked to an increased risk of diabetes and obesity. Additionally, the high sugar content can lead to tooth decay and enamel erosion. Recent studies have also found that approximately 50% of HFCS samples contain mercury, which can be detrimental to the immune system, brain, and vital organs.

Caffeine

Caffeine is another ingredient in root beer that can have negative health effects. While most major brands of root beer are caffeine-free, some, like Barq's, do contain caffeine. The presence of caffeine can disrupt sleep patterns and cause insomnia, leading to potential issues such as overeating and stress. Excessive caffeine intake can also cause nervousness, restlessness, dehydration, and frequent urination.

Caramel Colouring

The use of caramel colouring in root beer has raised health concerns due to its potential carcinogenic properties. Caramel colouring has been added to California's list of chemicals known to cause cancer. It has also been linked to increased blood pressure and a decrease in white blood cell count.

Artificial Sweeteners

Root beer, especially diet varieties, often contains artificial sweeteners such as aspartame. These sweeteners have been linked to various health issues, including irritability, anxiety, depression, headaches, and an increased risk of certain types of cancer.

Preservatives

Sodium benzoate, a preservative used in root beer to prevent the spoilage of high-fructose corn syrup, has come under scrutiny. The synthetic version of this preservative has been associated with DNA damage and an increased risk of Parkinson's disease and liver problems.

Allergens and Gluten

Root beer is not always gluten-free, and the presence of gluten can trigger severe allergic reactions in individuals with gluten sensitivity.

Frequently asked questions