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.
Different peppers contain different concentrations of capsaicin, which is measured using the Scoville scale, Dr. Paul Terry, professor of epidemiology at the University of Tennessee Medical Center, tells TODAY.com. The spicier a pepper or food is, the higher it’s rated on the Scoville scale, which is recorded in Scoville heat units (SHU).
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 Terry. "These send signals of pain to the brain," he adds. Technically, spiciness is just a painful sensation, not a flavor or taste.
These receptors also sense temperature and heat, so capsaicin tricks the body into thinking it’s overheating, per the Cleveland Clinic. There may be a slight increase in body temperature and heart rate.
Spice Tolerance
Some people have a higher spice tolerance, which can be due to various factors including genetics, exposure to spicy foods and personality.
"The amount of TRPV1 receptors people have vary, and there are variations in the receptors themselves, so some people perceive heat more or less than others based on the number and type of receptors they have," says Terry. If a person is born with fewer pain receptors, they may be better able to tolerate the heat.
Is Spicy Food Good for You?
"Spicy foods have been eaten for thousands of years by people and not caused significant health problems," says de Latour.
Spicy food can be part of a healthy diet and most people can eat it regularly without any issues. Additionally, there’s research to suggest that spicy food may have health benefits — this is due to capsaicin, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, experts note.
Spicy Food Benefits
“There definitely are benefits (to spicy food), and there’s some research to support this,” says 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 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. Still, the experts urge caution around spicy food challenges or trends online.
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 Terry. Try these foods for spicy food relief:
- Milk
- Ice cream
- Yogurt
- Avocado
Conclusion
Spicy food can be a divisive topic, with some people loving the thrill of the burn and others avoiding it altogether. While it’s true that spicy food can have some risks, the benefits of capsaicin and the cultural significance of spicy food make it a valuable part of many cuisines around the world.
FAQs
Q: Can spicy food kill you?
A: No, but there are rare cases of severe or life-threatening reactions to extremely spicy food.
Q: Is spicy food good for you?
A: Yes, spicy food may have health benefits due to capsaicin’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Q: How do I cool down after eating spicy food?
A: Try foods with protein or fat, such as milk, ice cream, yogurt, or avocado.
Q: Can I eat spicy food if I have digestive issues?
A: It’s best to consult with a doctor or healthcare professional before eating spicy food if you have underlying health conditions or digestive issues.
