| Wellness
✨ Let’s get into it ✨
💡 TLDR
Hey girl, ever heard of fire cider? It’s the buzzy drink taking over your TikTok feed this season, promised to boost your immune system and keep you from catching those pesky winter bugs. But does it …
Hey girl, ever heard of fire cider? It’s the buzzy drink taking over your TikTok feed this season, promised to boost your immune system and keep you from catching those pesky winter bugs. But does it actually work, or is it just another viral trend? Let’s dive in!
Fire cider is a concoction made from apple cider vinegar, various vegetables, herbs, and spices. Typically containing onion, garlic, ginger, horseradish, and cayenne pepper (hence the “fire” in its name), it’s an easy-to-make brew that’s been gaining popularity for its immune-boosting claims. But is it more than just hype?
The TikTok videos tell us yes, but we wanted to get the real scoop. So we talked to Anthea Levi, MS, RD, a Brooklyn-based health writer and founder of Alive+Well Nutrition. Here’s what she had to say:
1. The ingredients are beneficial—but not necessarily when combined in fire cider form. Apple cider vinegar, garlic, ginger, citrus fruits, and herbs like turmeric and rosemary all have health benefits. However, consuming them individually or in more pleasant ways might offer additional perks. For example, whole oranges provide fiber that’s missing in fire cider infusions. 2. Fire cider could potentially cause side effects. While submerging ingredients in apple cider vinegar helps reduce contamination risk, if they’re not fully submerged, there’s a chance for mold growth. Plus, the high acidity and spiciness might upset stomachs, especially for those prone to acid reflux or gastritis. 3. There’s no real evidence that fire cider prevents cold and flu symptoms. While it provides immune-friendly nutrients, it’s not a proven strategy for staving off illness like some TikTok claims suggest.
💫 Plus, there are potential food safety concerns and side effects to consider.
So what’s the verdict? Fire cider is packed with beneficial ingredients, but consuming them individually or in more pleasant ways might offer additional benefits. Plus, there are potential food safety concerns and side effects to consider. We think we’ll stick to flu shots this season—the kind administered by a trained clinician, not brewed in a jar that hasn’t been cleaned since last fall!
Now it’s your turn, girl: Have you tried fire cider? What do you think of its health claims? Let us know in the comments below! 💬
❓ People Also Ask
What is Fire Cider?
Fire Cider is a spicy, vinegar-based tonic often made with ingredients like garlic, onions, horseradish, and hot peppers. It’s believed to boost immunity and help prevent cold and flu symptoms.
Does Fire Cider actually prevent cold and flu symptoms?
While Fire Cider is rich in immune-boosting ingredients, there’s limited scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness in preventing colds and flus. However, some people claim it helps reduce symptoms when taken regularly.
💬 What do you think? Let us know in the comments! 👇