As aMexican restaurant in Eugene, we thought we would share with you some background on spicy food and reasons why people love it so much. Mexican cuisine has a distinct flavor that many recognize and love. One of the major aspects of this flavor is the spiciness! Chili peppers have been used in Mesoamerican food for several thousand years. Research indicates that the plants were first domesticated in Mexico.
History of the spread of chili peppers
Evidence of humans using spices to flavor food can be traced back as far as 6,000 years ago. Black pepper was so widely demanded, and its trade controlled by traders in southern Arabia, that it was considered a luxury item in medieval Europe. In 1453, the Ottoman Empire cut the spice trade route to Europe. This prompted European explorers, such as Christopher Columbus, to venture out and find a new trade route to obtain valuable peppercorns and other precious spices. Thus, prompting their accidental discovery of chili peppers in the West Indies. Although people from Mexico and Central America had already been using spicy peppers in their food for thousands of years, Europeans were able to enjoy the flavor of chili peppers for the first time. They began to incorporate them into their daily cooking, a custom that spread to other nations.
Human’s love for spice is unique
Chili pepper plants produce a chemical called capsaicin from which the spicy flavor and burning sensation originates. This active compound is used as a defense mechanism to prevent fungi and insects from invading. It also deters animals from eating the peppers who would otherwise grind the seeds to obliteration.
Humans seem to be the only species that enjoy and even prefer spicy foods. During the 1970s, Dr. Paul Rozin, professor of psychology at the University of Pennsylvania, began investigating if any other mammal, such as dogs, pigs and rats, had a taste for spice like humans did. His findings indicated that, even when conditioned to like spicy food, all the animals preferred non-spicy food. Humans seem to be unique in finding pleasure through a little bit of pain.
Health benefits of spicy food
Some say that the reason why we love spicy food is simply because it’s good for us. Spices are naturally antimicrobial and lower blood pressure. The capsaicin found in jalapeños, cayenne pepper and red chili peppers can lower cholesterol and increase blood flow. Red and green peppers contain high amounts of vitamin C. There is also an indication that eating spicy food can temporarily boost your metabolism.
Whatever the reason is for why we love spicy, one thing we know for sure it that it tastes so good! For some tasty and spicy (if you choose) Mexican food in Eugene, Oregon, stop by Chapala Mexican Restaurant at either of our two locations. Don’t forget to ask us about our catering service!
FAQs
For starters, the sensation of heat triggers the body to release a rush of adrenaline and endorphins, or “happy chemicals.” As any thrill-seeker will tell you, this rush of chemicals is enough to keep you coming back for more. Culture also plays a part, introducing people to different levels of spice from a young age.
Why do we love spicy food? ›
When the body feels threatened, it releases the survival hormone adrenaline, which can give someone eating a fiery bowl of noodles a sense of heart-pounding excitement, just like if they were riding a roller coaster or bungee jumping. In short, the answer to why people like spicy food is the thrill they get from it.
Why does spicy food make me happy? ›
“Capsaicin has been shown to work as an endorphin,” Robinson says. “The body produces endorphins, like serotonin, in response to the heat, which it mistakes for pain. This makes you feel better and decreases the risk for depression or stress.”
What does loving spicy food say about you? ›
Of those who prefer hot foods, 21 percent consider themselves extroverted, compared to 15 percent of mild food eaters. Those who pack on the heat are also more likely to describe themselves as creative (54%), confident (51%), and adventurous (44%).
Why do I love the burn of spicy food? ›
While this can feel painful, it also triggers an endorphin rush that some people find pleasurable. So whether you love the burn of a hot chili pepper or prefer your meals on the milder side, the experience of eating spicy foods is a fascinating example of the complex ways our bodies interact with the world around us.
Why do humans love spices? ›
The heat of chile peppers evolved as a defense mechanism against being eaten by mammals like humans. So why do humans love eating spicy food? The short answer is we get a kick out of the endorphin rush and we enjoy the flavor/health benefits.
Why spicy food is addictive? ›
As our body responds to the burn of capsaicin, it releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. This surge of dopamine contributes to the pleasurable sensations we experience while eating spicy food, further cementing our craving for that unique heat.
Is eating spicy healthy? ›
Spicy foods that contain capsaicin may help improve blood pressure, satiety, gut health, and longevity. However, research is conflicting, and most existing evidence is limited to observational and animal studies. High intakes of spicy foods may cause uncomfortable GI symptoms like nausea, stomach pain, and diarrhea.
What do you call a person who loves spicy food? ›
So you could say something like a “hot chiliphile”, although that's a bit more specific than what was asked.
What does spicy food do to your brain? ›
Capsaicin, released as a fine spray when you bite into foods that contain it, triggers heat receptors in the skin, tricking the nervous system into thinking you're overheating. In response, your brain cranks up all of your body's cooling mechanisms.
Assertive Debaters (ENTP-A) topped the charts – 72% agreed that they enjoy very spicy food. This consensus makes sense given their bold natures. This personality type is confident in culinary confrontations, and says “Bring it on!” to just about anything.
Why am I suddenly liking spicy food? ›
"Craving and consuming spicy food amidst stress can act as a psychological distraction and coping mechanism, where the physical sensation of pain and subsequent endorphin release serves to alleviate feelings of stress and anxiety for a short period," Costa says.
Does spicy food make you more attractive? ›
Miska's findings were pretty astounding: A spicy flavor was found to overwhelmingly increase romantic interest as well as physical attractiveness ratings across the subjects. "Women in the spicy condition rated the men as significantly more attractive than those in the sweet condition," the study states.
Is spicy food just pain? ›
The sensation of something being "hot" or "spicy" is often described as a taste. Technically, this reaction to an ingredient is a pain signal sent to the brain. The physical response to eating something spicy can include sweating, stomach pain and discomfort, headaches, and a tingling sensation of the tongue and lips.
Why is spicy food comforting? ›
“The release of endorphins triggered by spicy foods creates a sense of euphoria and relaxation, which may be comforting during periods of stress or anxiety,” he explained.
Can constantly eating spicy food hurt you? ›
Therefore, you should eat spicy 2-3 times / week and eat with intermittent frequency. Eating too much spicy causes heat in the body Using a lot of chili with a regular frequency along with a high degree of spicy can cause mouth ulcers or boils, burning in the anus as well as other organs..
What is the psychological reason behind eating spicy food? ›
The reason for this psychological appeal towards spicy food lies in capsaicin. Capsaicin is what triggers the release of endorphins, natural painkillers, and mood-enhancing chemicals in the brain.
Why do only humans eat spicy food? ›
Other studies have suggested that capsaicin is also an effective deterrent against the attack of parasitic fungi, and the heat sensation in mammals is a side effect. Some experts argue that humans like chillies because they are good for us. They have some beneficial effects on human health.
Why did humans start eating spicy food? ›
Researchers now suggest that a taste for spices served a vital evolutionary purpose: keeping our ancestors alive. Spices, it turns out, can kill poisonous bacteria and fungi that may contaminate our food. In other words, developing a taste for these spices could be good for our health.
Is eating spicy food good for you? ›
Spicy foods that contain capsaicin may help improve blood pressure, satiety, gut health, and longevity. However, research is conflicting, and most existing evidence is limited to observational and animal studies. High intakes of spicy foods may cause uncomfortable GI symptoms like nausea, stomach pain, and diarrhea.
