Newsroom
Love the kick of spicy food or can’t stand the heat? Either way, the fiery ingredients in your favorite dishes bring more to the table than just a tingling tongue—they might even have health perks. But are they risky enough to be dangerous?
The compound that puts the “hot” in hot food is called capsaicin, found in peppers like jalapeños and habaneros. When you eat spicy foods, capsaicin sends pain signals to the brain, tricking it into thinking you’re on fire. This rush can make some people sweat, tear up, and even feel a little euphoric as endorphins (feel-good chemicals) flood in. But is all this “pain” actually safe?
How Spicy Foods Affect the Body
Spicy foods come with a range of effects, some pleasant, some not so much. Capsaicin can help boost metabolism, ease inflammation, and improve gut health. According to research, people who regularly eat spicy foods may even have a slightly lower risk of heart disease, cancer, and early death. In a study tracking 500,000 people in China, those who ate spicy foods daily had a 14% lower risk of death compared to those who ate them once a week.
But while moderate spice is generally safe, large amounts can irritate the digestive system, causing issues like heartburn or even nausea. For people with irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, or ulcers, spicy foods may aggravate symptoms.
Can It Really Be Deadly?
Spicy foods are generally safe, but in rare cases, consuming extremely hot peppers has led to severe reactions. Online spicy challenges and extreme peppers, like the infamous Carolina Reaper (over 1.5 million Scoville heat units), have led to cases of hospitalizations from severe vomiting or even temporary brain issues. For most people, though, spicy foods are unlikely to be life-threatening; it’s all about knowing your limits and not overdoing it.
How to Cool Down After Eating Spicy Foods
Feeling the burn? Reach for foods that can tame the spice. Surprisingly, water won’t help and might even make it worse by spreading the heat around. Instead, try foods that contain fat or protein, which neutralize capsaicin:
- Milk or ice cream: Dairy products contain casein, a protein that binds to capsaicin and helps wash it away.
- Yogurt: Another dairy option that cools the burn.
- Avocado: The fats in avocado coat the mouth, blocking the capsaicin.
The takeaway? Spicy foods are safe and even beneficial in moderation. Just keep an eye on the Scoville scale, listen to your body, and enjoy the ride without going overboard.
Source: Today.com
