Health - Wellness
The Fiery Ingredient You Should Add To Water To Ward Off Winter Illness
By BETH BRADFORD
In the colder months, bolstering the immune system becomes crucial, and one simple yet effective way to do this is by adding cayenne pepper to water.
Cayenne pepper has a compound called capsaicin. Per a 2021 Annals of the Romanian Society for Cell Biology article, capsaicin can improve gut health, digestion, and metabolism.
It also has antibacterial properties and can reduce fever. A 2023 Nutrients article claims capsaicin might also play a role in preventing the flu virus from spreading in the body.
To make cayenne a part of your diet, add ⅛ teaspoon in hot water and steep it for a few minutes like tea. You can also add a dash of lemon to the water for flavor.
While adding cayenne pepper to water might help you feel better, no published research supports the notion that it will cure a cold or shorten its duration.