What does drinking lemon and cayenne pepper do?

Lemon and cayenne pepper have been used together as a health tonic for many years. Proponents claim that drinking lemon juice mixed with cayenne pepper can provide a number of health benefits. Here we’ll examine the evidence behind using this combination as a detox, weight loss aid, and more.

How lemon and cayenne pepper are thought to work

Lemon and cayenne pepper are believed to work together to provide health benefits in a few key ways:

• Boosting metabolism – Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin, which may boost metabolism and fat burning.
• Detoxification – Lemon is high in vitamin C, which acts as an antioxidant to help the body neutralize free radicals and flush out toxins.
• Reducing inflammation – Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin, which has anti-inflammatory properties.
• Increasing circulation – Cayenne pepper is thought to stimulate circulation and blood flow.
• Boosting immune function – Lemon is high in vitamin C, which supports immune function.

By combining lemon and cayenne pepper, proponents believe you get an energizing drink that can stimulate detoxification, fat burning, and more. However, it’s important to look at the actual scientific evidence behind these claims.

What the science says

There is some research supporting the potential benefits of lemon and cayenne pepper, but the evidence is not definitive:

Weight Loss

• A 2009 study found that consuming 2 grams of red pepper (containing capsaicin) increased energy expenditure by about 50 calories per day, suggesting it may have modest potential for weight loss. However, this was a small, short-term study.
• A 2010 meta-analysis concluded that capsaicin can help reduce appetite and decrease caloric intake, particularly for people who do not consume spicy foods regularly. But the authors noted that larger, longer-term studies are needed.
• Overall the evidence is considered preliminary, but capsaicin may help support weight loss by boosting metabolism, increasing fat burn, and reducing appetite when consumed regularly.

Detoxification

• Lemon is a good source of vitamin C and antioxidants, which help neutralize harmful free radicals and support the body’s natural detoxification processes.
• However, there are no studies specifically looking at lemon and cayenne pepper for detox. Claims about “detox” are often vague and lack scientific evidence according to critics.
• While lemon can provide antioxidants, there is no evidence this specific combination has any unique detox abilities beyond what lemon juice alone can provide.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects

• Studies show capsaicin has anti-inflammatory properties and can reduce inflammatory markers.
• A 2015 review found that capsaicin helped reduce inflammation associated with conditions like obesity, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes in animal studies.
• However, human studies are still limited and conflicting, so more research is needed.

Overall the evidence suggests capsaicin may have anti-inflammatory potential, but the effects of lemon and cayenne pepper specifically have not been widely studied.

Possible health benefits

Based on the existing research, here are some of the possible health benefits of drinking lemon cayenne pepper water:

1. Support weight loss

Drinking lemon cayenne pepper water may potentially aid weight loss in a few different ways:

• Capsaicin may slightly boost metabolism and fat burning
• Capsaicin can curb appetite, especially in people unaccustomed to spicy foods
• The combination can increase energy expenditure
• Water helps fill you up and prevents overeating

The effects are likely modest, but some research suggests the combination may support weight loss when combined with an overall healthy diet and exercise program.

2. May boost immunity

Lemon provides vitamin C, which plays an important role in immune function. Vitamin C helps support the production of white blood cells, which help fight infection.

Getting adequate vitamin C reduces risk of infection and speeds recovery from illness. Adding lemon to water is an easy way to boost your vitamin C intake and support immune function.

3. Increase circulation

Capsaicin helps stimulate circulation, blood flow, and sweating. This effect gives your skin a flushed appearance and warming sensation when you consume spicy foods.

Improved circulation may benefit heart health, while increased sweating helps release toxins from the body. However, more research is needed on how long-lasting these effects are.

4. Reduce inflammation

Animal studies suggest capsaicin may have anti-inflammatory properties and help reduce inflammatory markers associated with obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and more.

The anti-inflammatory effects also extend to brain inflammation. A rodent study found that capsaicin decreased inflammation markers in the brain.

However, human research is still limited and conflicting. More studies are needed to understand capsaicin’s effects on inflammation.

5. Aid digestion

The combination of lemon juice and cayenne pepper may aid digestion in a few ways:

• Cayenne stimulates stomach acid production, which helps break down food.
• Lemon juice has an alkaline pH, which helps neutralize excess stomach acid.
• together they may support healthy digestion.

That said, more data is needed to confirm effects on digestion.

Recommended dosage

There is no standard dosage for lemon cayenne pepper water. However, most recommendations suggest:

• 1/2 lemon (juiced)
• 1/10 to 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 8-12 ounces warm water

Start with a lower amount of cayenne and increase slowly to assess your tolerance. Drink daily, ideally in the morning on an empty stomach.

It’s very important to use fresh, clean water. Contaminated water could make you sick.

How to drink lemon and cayenne pepper water

Here is a basic recipe and preparation instructions:

Ingredients

• 1/2 fresh lemon
• 1/10 to 1 tsp cayenne pepper (or to taste)
• 8-12 oz warm filtered water

Instructions

1. Juice 1/2 a lemon into a glass.
2. Add cayenne pepper (start with a pinch and add more to taste).
3. Pour warm filtered water over ingredients.
4. Stir well and drink immediately.
5. Consume first thing in the morning on an empty stomach.

Add more or less cayenne depending on your spice tolerance. Start slow with just a dash and work your way up over time.

You can drink this daily. Some people drink 3-7 times per week as part of a detox or weight loss regimen.

Safety and side effects

Lemon cayenne pepper water is generally safe when consumed in moderation, but there are some potential side effects to be aware of:

• Stomach irritation – Cayenne can irritate the stomach lining, especially in excess amounts. Reduce the dosage if you experience pain or discomfort.
• Indigestion – Some people may experience upset stomach or indigestion. Drink the mixture slowly and avoid consuming it on a completely empty stomach.
• Throat irritation – Cayenne pepper can cause a burning sensation in the throat, especially if you drink the mixture too quickly.
• Danger for certain conditions – Avoid lemon cayenne pepper water if you have GERD, ulcers, or other gastrointestinal conditions. The lemon and cayenne pepper may exacerbate symptoms.

Start slowly and do not consume excess amounts until you know how your body reacts. Discontinue use if you experience persistent stomach pain or gastrointestinal distress.

The bottom line

Lemon and cayenne pepper water has gained popularity as a detox beverage and possible weight loss aid. Research suggests the capsaicin in cayenne may slightly boost metabolism and fat burning. Lemon provides vitamin C for immunity.

However, human data is still lacking to definitively confirm effects. While generally safe in moderation, there are also some potential side effects to consider.

As with any supplement, it’s best to speak with your healthcare provider before starting to drink lemon cayenne water, especially if you take medications or have a medical condition.

Overall, lemon cayenne water may offer some benefits when used alongside a healthy lifestyle, but is not a magic bullet for weight loss or detoxification.