What Makes Food Spicy?
What gives spicy food that "hot" burning sensation is a chemical compound called capsaicin, Dr. Rabia de Latour, a board-certified gastroenterologist at NYU Langone Health, tells TODAY.com. Capsaicin is a main component of chili peppers, such as cayenne, serrano and habanero.
What Does Spicy Food Do to the Body?
When you eat spicy food, the capsaicin binds to receptors in the mouth and on the tongue called TRPV1, says Dr. Paul Terry, professor of epidemiology at the University of Tennessee Medical Center. "These send signals of pain to the brain," he adds. Technically, spiciness is just a painful sensation, not a flavor or taste.
Spice Tolerance
Some people have a higher spice tolerance, which can be due to various factors including genetics, exposure to spicy foods and personality.
Is Spicy Food Good for You?
"Spicy foods have been eaten for thousands of years by people and not caused significant health problems," says Dr. de Latour.
Spicy Food Benefits
There definitely are benefits (to spicy food), and there’s some research to support this, says Dr. de Latour. Eating spicy food regularly — as part of an overall healthy, balanced diet — may be helpful for:
- Longevity
- Heart health
- Inflammation
- Metabolism
- Gut health
Spicy Food Risks
Generally, spicy food is safe to eat. "The overwhelming majority of people tolerate spicy food just fine," says Dr. de Latour. However, spicy food can be harmful depending on the level of spice, the amount consumed and a person’s underlying health.
Can Spicy Food Kill You?
There are case reports of people having severe or life-threatening reactions after eating extremely spicy food, but these are extremely rare, the experts note.
How to Cool Down After Eating Spicy Food
If you’re feeling the burn after eating spicy food, there are a few ways to try to cool down. These don’t include water, which will spread the heat around. Instead, opt for something with some protein or fat, which can act as a buffer against the capsaicin, says Dr. Terry. Try these foods for spicy food relief:
- Milk
- Ice cream
- Yogurt
- Avocado
Conclusion
Spicy food is a complex topic that can have both positive and negative effects on the body. While it can be a part of a healthy diet and may have some health benefits, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks and take steps to cool down after eating spicy food.
FAQs
Q: Can spicy food kill you?
A: There are case reports of people having severe or life-threatening reactions after eating extremely spicy food, but these are extremely rare.
Q: How do I cool down after eating spicy food?
A: Try foods with some protein or fat, such as milk, ice cream, yogurt, or avocado.
Q: Is spicy food good for you?
A: Spicy food can be part of a healthy diet and may have some health benefits, including longevity, heart health, and gut health.
Q: Can I eat spicy food if I have a stomach ulcer?
A: No, eating spicy food may worsen symptoms and cause pain.
Q: Can I eat spicy food if I have irritable bowel syndrome?
A: No, eating spicy food may exacerbate symptoms and cause gastrointestinal distress.
