Some people (like me) just love spicy food, while others avoid it at all costs. What explanation can there be for this? Spicy foods actually trigger pain receptors in the body, and yet some people can’t get enough. Are people who like spicy food crazy masochists? Or is there a more reasonable explanation?
Capsaicin
The reason spicy foods seem “hot” is that the chemical compounds found in spicy foods actually affect temperature sensors on the tongue, rather than targeting taste receptors the way that other flavors, such as sour or sweet, do.
Capsaicin is the chemical compound found in most spicy foods that trigger these temperature receptors. The capsaicin attaches to the temperature receptors in a way that tricks them into sending heat signals to the brain. So the tongue and mouth actually feel hot and sometimes even painful.
Capsaicins are mostly produced by chili peppers, which is often the category of plant associated with spiciness. However there are a few other chemicals that also trick those temperature receptors, such as allicin in garlic and wasabi, and piperine in black pepper.
Why do plants produce “spicy” chemicals?
It is thought by scientist that many plants evolved to produce capsaicin and other similar chemicals to prevent themselves from being eaten. And this is very effective against many animal predators. However somehow this backfired with humans, as many of us specifically seek out this spicy experience.
But still it begs the question: Why? Why do certain people enjoy spicy food?
Why do we like spicy food?
Some theorize that the draw to spiciness is associated with the thrill of risk-seeking behavior. Some studies have shown that people who like spicy food are more likely to be risk takers. The effect of capsaicin can cause a false sense of danger, which leads the body to release adrenalin. People who like spicy food may enjoy it for the same reason they like riding a roller coaster.
Others theorize that these chemicals that trick the mouth’s temperature receptors cause the body to experience a false sense of “injury” which in turn causes the body to release endorphins as a response to this perceived pain. These endorphins cause a minor “high” that spicy food lovers enjoy.
The reason that some people like spicy food more than others might also have something to do with genetics; some people are simply born with less effective heat receptors and therefore have a higher tolerance for capsaicin. Additionally, it’s possible that some people build their tolerance for spicy food over time, by desensitizing their capsaicin receptors with repeated exposure.
Spicy food and human history
Some hypothesize that eating spicy food offered evolutionary benefits over human history. For instance, spicy food can have been beneficial in hot climates, causing the individual to sweat, thus aiding the body’s cooling system.
Interestingly, studies have found that capsaicins have also have antimicrobial and anti-virulence properties. This means plants that contain capsaicin prevent the growth of bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa. So spicy food is less susceptible to growth of bacteria’s and other things that make people sick. This property of capsaicin could have been very important before refrigeration. People may have been more inclined to include spicy ingredients in their dishes because it made the food safer to eat. These traditions were then passed down through generations.
Benefits of spicy food
Regardless of whether or not you like spicy foods, it’s interesting to know about all of their benefits. In addition to their antimicrobial and anti-virulence factors, here’s some other benefits of eating spicy foods:
- Anti inflammatory properties
- Beneficial to heart health
- Aids in weight loss
- Muscle and joint pain relief
- Anticancer effects
If you love spicy food, hopefully this post answered some questions for you! If spicy food isn’t your thing, maybe this inspired you to give it another try.
What’s your favorite spicy food fact? I’d love to hear from you: hi@www.blogfeed.org
