The science of spiciness - Rose Eveleth

Summary

This video explores the science behind the sensation of spiciness. It explains how certain compounds in spicy foods, like capsaicin, activate heat-sensitive neurons, tricking the brain into perceiving heat and causing a burning feeling. The video also contrasts the effects of chili peppers and wasabi, detailing the different compounds involved. The Scoville scale measures spiciness, with the hottest peppers reaching up to 2 million units. Despite the pain, people may enjoy the thrill of spicy food, with some studies suggesting it may even be genetic. The video also touches on the potential historical and health-related reasons behind our love for spice.

Takeaways

• 😀 Spiciness is not a taste, but rather a sensory response caused by compounds activating polymodal nociceptors, which are heat-sensitive receptors in the body.
• 😀 When you eat spicy foods, like chili peppers, your brain perceives it as burning due to the activation of heat receptors, which can trigger a fight-or-flight response.
• 😀 Menthol, found in minty foods, activates cold receptors, which is why it creates a cool sensation in contrast to spicy heat.
• 😀 Chili peppers contain capsaicin, and other spicy foods like mustard or wasabi contain isothiocyanates. These compounds differ in size and how they affect the body.
• 😀 Capsaicin in chili peppers and black pepper typically stays in the mouth, while isothiocyanates in wasabi and mustard affect the sinuses.
• 😀 The Scoville scale measures the spiciness of foods based on their capsaicin content, with bell peppers at 0 Scoville heat units and extreme peppers like the Carolina Reaper reaching up to 2 million Scoville heat units.
• 😀 The hottest peppers in the world, such as the Carolina Reaper, have similar Scoville heat levels to pepper spray, which can reach up to 2 million SHU.
• 😀 The origin of humans eating spicy food remains unclear, though it’s speculated that early humans may have used spices for their preservative or medicinal qualities.
• 😀 The theory that humans add spices to food to kill bacteria is supported by evidence showing that spicy foods are common in warmer climates where microbes are more prevalent.
• 😀 Some people enjoy spicy foods because they seek the thrill of the pain, much like the excitement of roller coasters or adrenaline-filled activities like gambling.
• 😀 Studies suggest that the enjoyment of spicy food may be genetic, and people who regularly eat spicy foods don’t necessarily experience less pain; they just develop a higher tolerance.

Q & A

Why does your mouth feel like it's on fire when you eat a spicy pepper?

When you eat a spicy pepper, certain compounds, such as capsaicin, activate sensory neurons called polymodal nociceptors. These receptors are also sensitive to extreme heat, so your brain interprets the sensation as if you're actually burning, which is why your mouth feels like it's on fire.

How can you soothe the burn from spicy foods?

To soothe the burn, you can drink dairy products like milk, as they contain casein, which binds to capsaicin and helps neutralize the heat. Other options include consuming starchy foods like bread or rice to absorb the capsaicin, or drinking water with honey.

Why does wasabi make your eyes water?

Wasabi contains isothiocyanates, which are small molecules that easily travel into your sinuses. When these compounds stimulate the sensory receptors in your nasal passages, they can cause a strong, irritation-like reaction, including watery eyes.

How is spiciness measured?

Spiciness is often measured using the Scoville scale, which quantifies the amount of capsaicin in a food. The scale determines how much the capsaicin can be diluted before the heat is no longer detectable to humans.

What are the spiciest peppers in the world?

The spiciest peppers are the Trinidad Moruga Scorpion and the Carolina Reaper. Both of these peppers measure between 1.5 and 2 million Scoville heat units, making them roughly half as spicy as pepper spray.

Why do humans eat spicy food despite the pain?

While the exact reason is unclear, one theory suggests humans started eating spicy food to kill off bacteria, especially in warmer climates. For some, the pain from spicy food is also part of the thrill, akin to riding rollercoasters or engaging in adrenaline-rich activities.

Do spicy foods have any health benefits?

Some studies suggest that spices, like chili peppers, may have antibacterial properties. Additionally, capsaicin is known to boost metabolism and may have other health benefits, such as pain relief when used topically.

Can eating spicy food become a habit?

Yes, for some people, eating spicy food becomes a pleasurable activity due to the adrenaline rush it creates. Studies show that individuals who enjoy spicy food may also enjoy other high-stimulation activities, like gambling or rollercoasters.

Is the pain of eating spicy food less intense for those who eat it regularly?

No, the pain doesn't become less intense. While people who regularly eat spicy food might feel tougher when enduring the burn, they don't report the pain as being any less severe. They simply become more accustomed to it.

Why are some people more tolerant to spicy food than others?

Tolerance to spicy food may be influenced by genetics, as some people have a higher pain threshold or a greater number of receptors that respond to capsaicin. Additionally, people who enjoy spicy food might develop a higher tolerance over time.