BBC's Health and Science Correspondent James Gallagher explains the burning sensation of spicy food, debunking myths and sharing tips. Stories include workplace drama from hot sauce, intense reactions to spicy food, and Denmark's concern over super spicy noodles.
Capsaicin in spicy food triggers pain receptors creating heat sensations, avoid rubbing eyes and consume milk for relief.
Extreme reactions to spicy food, like hospital treatments and fatalities, debunk myths of spicy food health risks.
Deep dives
The Science Behind Spicy Food
Capsaicin, a chemical found in spice and chili, triggers pain and temperature receptors in the mouth, creating a sensation of heat. As capsaicin levels increase, the body reacts with sweating, mucus build-up, and increased blood flow, leading to potential effects like stomach cramps and headaches. Extreme cases of capsaicin consumption have even resulted in hospital treatments and fatalities.
Handling Spicy Food Side Effects
To alleviate symptoms of consuming spicy food, experts recommend avoiding rubbing eyes and opting for milk or sweet foods to counteract the heat sensation. Spicy food myths, such as causing stomach ulcers, have been debunked by scientific evidence. While individuals vary in spice sensitivity due to nerve interaction, consuming spicy food in moderation may have potential health benefits.
Personal Experience with Extreme Spiciness
A colleague recounts a dramatic experience with a hot sauce-induced fainting spell, attributing the reaction to acid reflux triggered by the chili. Despite initial difficulty avoiding hot spices, the individual eventually resumed consuming chili. This incident highlights the unexpected intensity of spice reactions, even for those accustomed to spicy foods.
South Korea’s Buldak noodles are super spicy - and Denmark’s food regulator has now recalled some types of them, saying they could cause "acute poisoning". The company behind the noodles says there are no quality issues. They’re used in extreme food challenges that often go viral online. So we decided to try them ourselves and they were FIERY!
The BBC’s Health and Science Correspondent, James Gallagher, explains why spicy food can make us feel all hot and bothered, how to combat the side effects, and takes us through some common myths about spice.
And one of our BBC colleagues, Akwasi Sarpong, tells us how a tiny bit of extremely hot sauce caused some drama at work.
Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld
WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6
Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk
Presenter: William Lee Adams with Benita Barden
Producer: Emily Horler
Editor: Julia Ross-Roy
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