Fire cider is a blend of garlic, turmeric, apple cider vinegar, and other ingredients, but it won't magically prevent colds or flu. While some of its components can support overall health, experts emphasize that no single solution strengthens the immune system.
The drink includes vitamin C from lemons and citrus fruits, probiotics from apple cider vinegar, allicin from garlic for immune support, and antioxidants like curcumin found in turmeric. Despite these beneficial ingredients, fire cider alone isn't a miracle cure.
Dietitians point out that while the individual components are healthy, the overall taste may be unpleasant, and it can cause digestive issues such as heartburn or diarrhea.
For a strong immune system, experts recommend a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, proteins, and grains, alongside good sleep, stress management, and regular handwashing during cold and flu season.
Some people promote fire cider, which includes turmeric, apple cider vinegar, lemon, grapefruit, raw garlic, jalapeño, and cloves. While these ingredients can benefit health individually, their combined effect in this concoction isn't enough to build a stronger immune system on its own.
Garlic contains allicin, known for supporting the immune system; vitamin C also aids immunity, as found in lemons and other citrus fruits. Both prebiotics and probiotics help protect against infection, with apple cider vinegar being a key source of these in fire cider.
The antioxidant curcumin in turmeric helps fight oxidative stress that suppresses the immune system.