The Effects of Chilli
The
fruits of chili plants contain the active ingredient “capsaicin”
in varying concentrations. This alkaloid produces the extraordinary
effect we experience when biting into a chili pepper. Up to 7 related
substances, called “capsaicinoides”, work together to create this
effect. To simplify things, we'll talk about “capsaicin” from now
on.
The active ingredient capsaicin sends signals to the pain
receptors of the mucous membrane, which forms part of the “trigeminal
system”. This early warning system is located on the tongue, in the
entire mouth and facial area and in the digestive tract. It is
connected to the sense of smell and taste, as well as our heat and
cold perception. So far scientists have not reached a unified
explanation about the connections between these elementary human
perceptions. In any case, chili shows an effect on all of these four
areas. The main duty of the trigeminal system lies in triggering a
physical reaction as soon as it is irritated by certain substances,
thereby protecting us from danger. For example, consuming chili
causes a range of different reactions: sweating, a runny nose,
sneezing, teary eyes, coughing, hiccups, increased circulation, etc.
Our body begins a detoxification process and creates an extra jolt
with the release of endorphins, the body's own happiness-inducing
hormones. As a result, the unpleasant or surprising effects which an
especially spicy meal causes are usually accompanied by a
smile.
Let's clear up some myths about chili at this point:
long-term consumption of spicy food has not proven to produce any
negative effects on the sense of taste! On the contrary, taste even
becomes intensified through the correct “individual” dose of
chili. The blood flow to the tongue increases, leading to increased
salivation and allowing us to taste more – of course, only as long
as we don't exceed the level of hotness our body can handle!
Sample
a range of sauces in our shop to discover how much hotness your
personal trigeminal system can deal with. If you have further
questions, come and talk to us.
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