Cayenne pepper and lemon water have become popular health drinks that are said to provide a number of benefits. Cayenne pepper is made from the dried and ground cayenne chili pepper and contains a compound called capsaicin which gives it its spicy flavor and potential health benefits. Lemon water is simply water mixed with fresh lemon juice.
When combined, these two ingredients are believed to boost metabolism, increase fat burning, reduce appetite, detoxify the body, improve digestion, and more. This article will explore the science behind these claims and provide details on how cayenne pepper and lemon water work.
How Cayenne Pepper Works
Cayenne pepper contains a compound called capsaicin, which gives the chili pepper its spicy flavor and potential health benefits. Here’s how cayenne pepper and capsaicin work:
Increases Metabolism
Capsaicin may help boost metabolism and increase fat burning by:
- Increasing body temperature – Consuming cayenne pepper raises internal body temperature slightly, which requires the body to burn more calories for cooling.
- Boosting metabolism – Studies show capsaicin can increase metabolism by up to 200 extra calories per day.
- Enhancing fat burning – Research indicates capsaicin enhances fat oxidation during metabolism.
Suppresses Appetite
Capsaicin may aid weight loss by reducing appetite and calorie intake:
- Stimulates satiety – Cayenne pepper may increase satiety and fullness.
- Lowers food intake – Consuming cayenne pepper has been shown to reduce overall food consumption at meals.
- Reduces cravings – Some research shows capsaicin may decrease cravings for salty, sweet, and fatty foods.
Boosts Fat Burning During Exercise
Consuming cayenne pepper may increase fat burning, especially during exercise:
- Increases fat oxidation – Studies indicate that capsaicin boosts fat burning during aerobic exercise like cycling or running.
- Enhances energy expenditure – Research shows that consuming cayenne pepper increases energy burned after exercise.
How Lemon Water Works
Like cayenne pepper, lemon water is also believed to provide a number of benefits. Here’s how lemon water may improve health:
Aids Weight Loss
Drinking lemon water may support weight loss through:
- Increasing satiety – Some studies show lemon water enhances feelings of fullness.
- Boosting metabolism – Animal studies found that citrus flavonoids in lemon water may increase energy expenditure.
- Reducing fat accumulation – Lemons contain polyphenols that may decrease fat accumulation.
Supports Digestion
Lemon water can help improve digestion in a few ways:
- Stimulating bile production – Citric acid in lemon juice stimulates the production of bile, which aids digestion.
- Reducing heartburn – The alkalizing effect of lemon water may help neutralize stomach acid and reduce heartburn.
- Acting as a gentle laxative – Lemon juice helps move waste through the digestive tract, acting as a mild laxative.
Boosts Immune Function
Lemon water provides immune-boosting vitamin C and antioxidants:
- High in vitamin C – One lemon provides over 30 mg vitamin C, which supports immune health.
- Contains antioxidants – Lemons are high in antioxidants like hesperidin and d-limonene, which reduce inflammation.
- Boosts immune cells – The nutrients in lemon water may increase activity of immune cells like T-cells and NK cells.
Benefits of Drinking Cayenne Pepper and Lemon Water
Combining cayenne pepper and lemon water is believed to provide even more benefits. Here are some of the top advantages of this spicy and tangy drink:
Promotes Weight Loss
This combination has become a popular home remedy for weight loss. The capsaicin in cayenne pepper boosts metabolism and fat burning, while the pectin fiber in lemons enhances feelings of fullness. This one-two punch may support weight loss.
Detoxifies the Body
Lemon juice contains compounds that help flush toxins from the body. Cayenne pepper also stimulates circulation and may aid detoxification. Drinking this spicy lemon combo may help cleanse the body of waste and toxins.
Improves Digestion
Lemon water stimulates bile production to aid digestion, and the capsaicin in cayenne pepper increases gastric juices to help break down food. This makes cayenne and lemon water a digestive powerhouse.
Increases Energy Levels
The combination of capsaicin-induced thermogenesis and vitamin C in lemons provides a natural energy boost. Many people drink cayenne pepper and lemon water as a pre-workout or morning drink for sustained energy.
May Lower Blood Pressure
Some research indicates that capsaicin can relax blood vessels and improve circulation, which may reduce blood pressure. Lemons provide potassium, which acts as a vasodilator to decrease blood pressure as well.
Potential Side Effects of Cayenne Pepper and Lemon Water
Cayenne pepper and lemon water are generally safe, but may cause some minor side effects in some people, including:
- Heartburn – Can aggravate pre-existing heartburn or GERD.
- Stomach discomfort – Capsaicin may irritate the stomach lining.
- Diarrhea – High intake of cayenne pepper can cause temporary diarrhea.
- Irritation – Cayenne pepper can irritate the skin, eyes, nose, and throat.
- Low blood pressure – Those with hypotension should use caution with cayenne pepper.
To help avoid side effects, start with small amounts of cayenne pepper and gradually increase the dosage to allow your body to adapt. Drinking this with food may also minimize stomach discomfort. Those with gastroesophageal reflux or hypotension may need to avoid cayenne pepper.
How to Drink Cayenne Pepper and Lemon Water
It’s easy to make cayenne pepper lemonade at home. Simply follow these steps:
Ingredients
- 2 cups warm water
- Juice from 1 fresh lemon
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (or to taste)
- Raw honey or maple syrup to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Boil 2 cups of water and allow it to cool for 2-3 minutes until warm.
- Squeeze the juice from one lemon into a cup.
- Add the cayenne pepper and the warm water to the lemon juice.
- Stir to combine. Add honey if desired to taste.
- Drink immediately.
Tips
- Start with just a dash of cayenne and work up to 1/2 tsp as tolerated.
- Drink first thing in the morning on an empty stomach or 20-30 minutes before breakfast.
- Can be consumed 2-3 times per day. Space out servings to avoid stomach irritation.
- Use fresh lemon juice rather than bottled lemon juice for maximum benefits.
- Pair with food to minimize potential stomach discomfort from the cayenne pepper.
The Bottom Line
Research indicates that cayenne pepper and lemon water provide an array of health benefits. Cayenne pepper boosts metabolism and fat burning through capsaicin, while lemon water aids digestion and detoxification.
Together, these two ingredients make a powerful elixir that may help you lose weight, improve digestion, increase energy levels, and detoxify your body when consumed regularly. Cayenne pepper and lemon water are generally safe, though cayenne may cause mild digestive upset in some individuals.
Conclusion
By increasing metabolism, suppressing appetite, aiding fat burning, and providing essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, cayenne pepper and lemon water are an easy and healthy way to start your morning. Just be sure to start slow with the cayenne and drink this spicy lemon combo regularly to enjoy its many benefits.