Ginger based drinks were prevalent in most Asian civilizations and their benefits can be realized even in the modern world. Ginger Bao(Broth) is a traditional Chinese recipe that dates back over a Millenia. Confucius has written about the health benefits of it in the 5th century BC.
From a historical perspective, it had been used by Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM) practitioners to cure a range of diseases, from common colds to indigestion and nausea. Ginbao also has numerous health benefits such as to build immunity, get energized and to increase vitality.
GingerBao is often brewed with Ginseng for added benefits. Ginseng provides instant energy release, lowers blood sugar and cholesterol levels, reduces stress, promotes relaxation, treats diabetes and treats sexual dysfunction in men.
Traditionally, Ginger Bao is made in kettles and the brewing process can take upto 3 hours. The long brewing process ensures that the goodness of the ingredients increases the potency of the broth.
About ‘Mr. Mak’s Ginbao
Mr. Mak’s Ginbao is a startup based in New York City’s Chinatown and has bottled the traditional Chinese ginger broth health drink. The drink was brought over from China by CEO Frances Mak’s father, Mr. Mak, who is the founder of the company.
He came in as an immigrant in the 70s and in his journey to the “American Dream” he became stressed and exhausted. To cope with that he started drinking a family recipe for Bao. Friends and family saw the positive impact the Ginger Bao had on Mr. Mak, and started to replace their beverages with this.
Compositional Information.
Ginbao takes it’s name from its recipe. Gin is for Ginger/ Ginseng which are the core ingredients of the drink. Tradition says ginger adds heat to support circulation, digestion, and yang, while Ginseng cools the body and supports chi and yin. Bao is the Chinese word for slow simmered concentrate.
For centuries, ginger bao has simmered in kettles across Asia but has never been bottled until now. The label on the bottle is inspired by Tangram and Qing Dynasty meridian charts. The packaging gives a nod to vintage Chinese medical packaging too. This mashup of old and new, modern and traditional plays out across the entire brand.
To go from kettle to bottle the manufacturers have tried to keep the recipe as close to tradition as possible with simple, organic ingredients and a long brewing process. Long brewing process is essential to give a potent ginger kick and a refreshing feel.
This is a perfect substitute for coffee, calorie-heavy juices and carbonated drinks. It can be consumed when you workout, when one's tummy is upset, when you are hungover or simply when you need a little refreshment. Lastly, Mr. Mak recommends that the drink is to be consumed hot but you can have it however you prefer. Some recommended recipes are also given on the manufacturer's website.
Product Variants:
- Original Dynasty Ginbao: This is the original drink and the recipe is pure and simple. The only ingredients are Water, Organic Ginger puree, Organic Asian Ginseng and lemon juice. It is clean, spicy, potent and contains only 40 calories with no added sugar.
- Harmonizing Queen Bee Ginbao: This variant contains organic honey which makes it slightly sweetish and easy to drink. Honey has numerous health benefits such as reduced gastrointestinal disorder, improved blood sugar levels and is also natural cough remedy. A single bottle has 70 calories in it.
- Energizing Dragonwell Ginbao: This variant has Organic Green Tea extract. Green Tea cools the body’s heat, brings clarity and focus. It is naturally caffeinated which makes it an anti-oxidant rich. A bottle of this variant contains only 40 calories and has no added sugar.
Key features:
- Low calories: A bottle of 13.9-fluid-ounce contains only 40-70 calories depending upon the product variant. This is lesser than almost any other health or energy drink available in the market today.
- Gluten-free: None of the products added in the drinks have any Gluten in them.
- Vegan: They are 100% plant based and no animal products have been used during the manufacturing process at all.
- Low on Sugar: None of the variants contain any processed sugar. The only product which has any kind of sweetener is Harmonizing Queen Bee Ginbao which only contains organic honey.
- Organic ingredients: The ingredients are meticulously sourced and organic for overall health benefits and for Animal and Environmental welfare.
Ginbao Pricing And Availability
The most convenient way to purchase is from the official website http://mrmaks.com/freethechi/ . Apart from online purchase options, the drinks are also available in stores across New York.
You can locate the stores on their website. The drink is not yet widely available, but the company is looking to further expand into the health-conscious American public.
