Why do some of us have such a strong preference for spicy foods? You know, like your favorite hot salsa that sets your tongue on fire, or that bottle of chili paste in your fridge that makes your stomach burn.
Not everyone can stomach spicy foods, but for those that do, there’s a solid reason for it. When the molecule capsaicin, which gives spicy foods its heat, comes into contact with your tongue, your body interprets the experience as pain. This, in turn, causes the production of endorphins, or “happy” chemicals, which give you a rush of pleasure from head to toe.
There’s a link between individuals who consider themselves “thrill seekers” and those who want to try spicy meals. It’s a personality attribute shared by people who seek out new experiences and intense sensations, as well as adventure and possibilities for extreme activities like skydiving and roller coasters.
While it may appear that eating spicy meals for pleasure is akin to drug addiction, doctors say there’s no harm in savoring the burn and subsequent rush of euphoria. Just be careful not to become too accustomed to the heat, or otherwise your other bland dishes may begin to taste dull and dull.
And why do it appear that people in the world’s hottest places eat spicy foods? Chili grows well in hotter climates, making them readily available to residents of these areas. Spicy meals, on the other hand, make you sweat, which helps you cool down faster. Perspiration will push your body to cool itself more rapidly and efficiently as long as you stay hydrated.
Many plants that contain spicy compounds also include antioxidants, which are beneficial to your health. Antioxidants are found in a variety of foods, including fruits and vegetables, and may help to prevent or delay various types of cell damage. Chili peppers are a strong source of beta carotene, calcium, and potassium, and are abundant in vitamins. They may also aid in cholesterol reduction.
Some claim that eating spicy foods boosts metabolism, improves blood flow, and lowers blood pressure, resulting in fewer heart attacks and strokes. Spicy foods have also been shown to aid in the reduction of dangerous bacteria in the gut.
According to several research, what moms eat during pregnancy has a significant impact on their children’s dietary preferences. Carrots will appeal to the youngster if they were consumed often during pregnancy. Spicy foods, on the other hand, are often avoided by young children, even in nations where they are a big component of the diet. As youngsters get older, however, cultural and familial pressures begin to impact eating preferences and choices.
Finally, remember that capsaicin is a fat-soluble molecule if you bite into something spicy and the agony is unbearable. If you want to relieve the pain, don’t drink water because it’s water-soluble and won’t help. For immediate relief, drink whole milk or have a bite of ice cream.
Check out my related post: Can drinking a hot drink cool you down?
Interesting reads:
https://www.foodnavigator.com/Article/2016/05/25/The-thrill-of-the-taste-Why-do-we-like-spicy-food#
https://hellogiggles.com/lifestyle/food-drink/psychological-reason-spicy-foods/amp/
https://www.eatthis.com/why-people-like-spicy-food/
https://bigthink.com/culture-religion/why-people-like-spicy-foods
https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/blog/pop-psych/201508/why-do-we-torture-ourselves-spicy-foods
https://insights.osu.edu/food/science-spicy-cravings
https://www.healthline.com/health/five-reasons-to-eat-spicy-foods#5.-Spices-help-kill-bacteria
https://www.brainfacts.org/thinking-sensing-and-behaving/taste/2016/the-science-of-spiciness-110816
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