Do hot chili peppers help a cold?

Answer 1

Some people claim hot chiles (hot peppers) can prevent them, but it is not proven scientifically. However, many people, including me, eat hot spicy foods and very hot chiles when we already have a cold, since they relieve the stuffiness in the sinuses and nose and also can help a sore throat. Capsaicin is the component in peppers that makes them hot and it has been found to be helpful for many ailments. Capsaicin can cause your body to release endorphins and make you feel better, as well as breathe better. It is worth a try as treatment to see if you have the same results, but the idea of prevention of infection with spicy food is currently based only upon anecdotal information. It sure can't hurt to try it, and you may really like it and turn into a "fire eater" Chilehead.