But now, health experts have revealed their top spice cabinet picks for staving off winter bugs this cold and flu season. Greater energy levels helps to lower stress hormones like cortisol and deploy immune cells to fight off illnesses. Chronic inflammation hinders the function of disease-fighting immune cells, so lowering inflammation helps raise the body's defenses against winter viruses. Recent studies suggest that along with antioxidants, capsaicin may help stimulate the production of immune cells, which help the body ward off infections faster. While metabolism is usually associated with hunger and appetite, it also helps generate energy within immune cells and mobilize protein and fat reserves to increase immune response.

Source: Daily Mail December 28, 2025 17:11 UTC