People love spicy food for many reasons. These range from having a different genetic code to simply enjoying the sensations these foods create in the brain.
Keep in mind that liking spicy food is not a new phenomenon. Chillies, for example, have been around for up to 10,000 years (source: Economic Botany). The big question, then, is: what is it about spicy food that makes us crave it?
Why Does Spicy Food Taste Hot?
Here's the first thing you should know about spicy food: it's not a matter of taste. It's a chemical reaction to capsaicin, a key ingredient in any spicy food.
Originally, capsaicin was an irritant that stopped mammals from chewing plant seeds. In theory, it tells our body that we've ingested something we shouldn't have. Capsaicin is also responsible for many benefits of spicy food, including:
- Pain relief
- Heart health support
- Weight management
- Antioxidant effects
The Effect of Capsaicin on the Body
If capsaicin is an irritant, why do we like the taste so much? To understand this, we need to look at spicy food's impact on health.
When you ingest capsaicin, it binds to a receptor in your body known as TRPV1. Think of TRPV1 as a little sensor that detects things that may damage the body. If it does, it activates various involuntary bodily functions, such as:
- Sweating
- Tearing up
- Runny nose
Why Do We Love Spicy Food?
Despite the unpleasant side effects, spicy food still has a hold on many of us. Here are a few reasons why we're willing to deal with irritants:
Genetics
Some people have a different variant of the TRPV1 gene. This can change how easily the gene turns on and off. Taste receptors can also become less sensitive over time, making it possible to develop more of a tolerance to spicy food.
Brain Sensations
When you satisfy your spicy food cravings, your brain sends you an alarm signal. With repeated exposure, your brain will figure out that this cue is under control. This shift in prediction and certainty makes the sensations more rewarding.
Sense of Control
One of the biggest reasons people love spicy food is the sense of control it gives us. Like with other experiences that are unpleasant at first (such as running), overcoming and mastering the initial pain can be quite pleasant.
Best Ways to Deal With Spicy Food
As people say, there's no accounting for taste preferences. So what do you do if there's spicy food in your future, and you're not sure you'll handle it well?
First, keep in mind that capsaicin is hydrophobic and fat-soluble. This means that drinking water will only make it stay where it is. Meanwhile, dairy products such as milk and yogurt will help break it down and carry it away.
It's also a good idea to ensure that your food is worth the effort your body will spend to deal with it. Focus on high-quality products, such as Mikey V's Foods.
More on Enjoying Spicy Food
The bottom line: spicy food is one of those things you'll need to develop a tolerance for. If you manage to do it, however, the combination of unique flavor and long-term health benefits can be very rewarding.
Keep reading our lifestyle content for more stories on food and habits!
This article was prepared by an independent contributor and helps us continue to deliver quality news and information.
