Usually, when I write about health trends, I’m making fun of some crazy ‘influencer’ using Instagram to convince people that they should live exclusively on a diet of kale.

This time, I decided to do things a little differently. Health shots (a small shot of the good stuff designed to give you a quick vitamin and energy boost) have been trending on social media for the right reasons.

That’s all fine in theory, but I’m not one to blindly believe what I read on the internet, so I decided to try it for myself.

For the last two months I’ve been starting my day with a Sir Fruit Fiery Ginger Shot. It’s a combination of ginger, apple and lemon, and packs a hefty dose of Vitamin C.

Apart from a shot before my morning coffee, I also down one after a night out, if I’m feeling a little sleepy at work, or if I’m feeling a bit under the weather.

So far, this is my healthiest winter yet, and what started out as an experiment has turned into a fixed part of my daily routine.

Go over to The Wall Street Journal and you’ll see that I’m not alone in my conversion to the health shot trend.

The newcomer in the beverage case probably won’t quench your thirst and may not even taste that great.

And that is part of the appeal, makers say.

They are called wellness shots, typically packaged in petite 2-ounce bottles and touting benefits such as a spark of energy or a boost to the immune system. With sharp-flavored ingredients such as garlic, habanero pepper and apple-cider vinegar, fans say they offer a quick pick-me-up—but have to be gulped down quickly.

Unlike the average health shot, the Sir Fruit shots are actually pretty tasty. In fact, I really like the taste of the Fiery Ginger.

That said, there is a sharpness to them which adds to that feeling that you’re doing something good for yourself and your body.

“People want a little punishment with a shot,” says Jeff Church, chief executive of Suja Life, a juice company 31% owned by Coca-Cola . “There is definitely some pain to them.” Suja recently launched three different wellness shots, each with a “hero ingredient,” says Mr. Church. “Energy” features coffee fruit and reishi mushrooms. “Immunity” boasts turmeric and probiotics.

Sir Fruit also offers a Spicy Turmeric Shot that combines turmeric with orange, carrot, lemon and cayenne pepper. It’s vitamin-rich and clears the sinuses.

If you’re after a quick way to get your daily greens, their Daily Green Shot is a health-laden shooter of apple, cucumber, lemon, spinach, and kale.

Bang, down the hatch. You’ll hardly have time to snap a selfie in your activewear before your health boost begins

It’s all part of the wave of people turning away from sugary drinks and towards cold-pressed juices and other healthier alternatives.

I personally love these shots, but don’t take my word for it – try it for yourself.

Head on over to the Sir Fruit website, or check out their Facebook page, for more info on how to get yours.

[source:wallstreetjournal]