CHINELOS
  • Welcome
  • Shop
    • Whole Chile Pods
    • Chile Powder
    • Moles
    • Corn Products
    • Herbs and Spices
    • Coffee
    • Beverages
    • Fruit Products
    • Seasonal Items
    • Handcrafts
  • Recipes
  • Food Service
  • Contact
  • Our Story
  • Blog
  • Welcome
  • Shop
    • Whole Chile Pods
    • Chile Powder
    • Moles
    • Corn Products
    • Herbs and Spices
    • Coffee
    • Beverages
    • Fruit Products
    • Seasonal Items
    • Handcrafts
  • Recipes
  • Food Service
  • Contact
  • Our Story
  • Blog

Why do we love the burning of Chilli peppers?

19/10/2017

 
Picture
This question has been in my mind for some time, why do we love the burning although sometimes painful associated with eating chilli peppers. We know the capsaicinoids, capsaicin is the compound most well known for this effect. However, the hotness is not a taste at all but rather a sensation, so there is no association between taste buds and capsaicin. 
What happens is that when
capsaicinoids reach the tongue, they interact with a special type of protein (called TRPV1) located on the surface of nerve cells. This protein acts as a sensor for the cell giving it information about physical heat (like a fire above 109˚F (43˚C)), the signal will activate the nerve cell to allow it to trigger other never cells that will carry the message to the brain that has to respond the dangerous temperature.
When capsaicinoids interact with this protein it also activates the same signal thinking it is being burned even there is no real present heat. 
But then knowing this, why exactly would anyone would seek out and even like this burning sensation? The answer is how our brains are wired. The capsaicinoid trick the brain into thinking it is being burned, which is a painful experience once the body senses the pain somewhere like our tongue. The brain responds by releasing another type of neurotransmitter known as endorphins, which are the body's natural way of relieving the pain, by blocking the nerve's ability to transmit pain signals. Also, the neurotransmitter responsible for reward and pleasure, dopamine, is released .
Therefore when eating large amounts of spicy foods our body triggers a sense of euphoria similar to a runner's high. Some people love it others cannot stand it, the difference in tolerance for this can be discussed in another post.

BTW, did you know? Capsaicinoids are derived from the compound vanillin, which gives vanilla its delicious taste and smell.) 

Comments are closed.

    Author

    Write something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview.

    Archives

    December 2017
    October 2017
    August 2017
    May 2017

    Categories

    All
    Christmas
    Fine Feathered Thrusdays
    Food Science
    Health Facts
    Recipes

    RSS Feed

© 2017 Chinelos - Branch of America Supplies Ltd
Privacy Policy & Personal Information Collection
Terms and Conditions