Spicy foods like chili contain a molecule called capsaicin. Capsaicin affects the body’s pain and heat receptors. So, you may notice some changes in your body when you eat spicy foods.
Spicy foods have capsaicin. Capsaicin causes heat production in the body. It does this by binding to a receptor called TRPV1 (transient receptor potential vanilloid 1).
When you eat spicy food, TRPV1 gets activated. This triggers the sympathetic nervous system, which increases your body’s energy expenditure.
A research review showed that capsaicin supplements can decrease body weight and waist circumference, but the effect is modest. However, foods do not contain as much capsaicin as supplements. Even if you eat a lot of chili, the human body cannot effectively absorb capsaicin into the bloodstream.
Capsaicin may help reduce stomach acid production. It may also increase alkaline secretions, which help neutralize stomach acid. It can also increase blood flow to the digestive lining.
However, it is not certain whether eating chili significantly changes stomach acid or protects the digestive lining in humans. Eating adequate fiber remains one of the best strategies to support digestion.
Eating spicy foods doesn’t damage your taste buds. If you eat spicy foods regularly, your TRPV1 receptors become less sensitive to capsaicin. This means you will find it easier to tolerate spicy foods, even if you eat the same amount.
Capsaicin activates TRPV1 receptors in the gastrointestinal system, which can increase sensations and sensitivity.
Eating chili peppers in usual amounts is unlikely to cause digestive problems. However, spicy foods are linked to an increased risk of heartburn, burning, and discomfort in people with conditions like gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Some purported benefits of eating spicy foods include cell damage prevention, lower inflammation, antimicrobial effects, and pain relief. However, these effects are often only reported in lab or animal studies. Here are some myths about spicy foods:
Myth: Spicy foods cause major weight loss.
Capsaicin can cause minimal calorie burn due to thermogenesis. However, the human body cannot effectively absorb capsaicin from foods into the bloodstream. Even capsaicin supplements have only a modest effect on weight. The best strategy remains a nutritious and balanced diet alongside an active lifestyle.
Myth: Spicy foods permanently damage the digestive tract or cause ulcers.
Eating chili peppers isn’t likely to cause damage to the digestive tract in usual amounts. However, people with acid reflux and gastritis may experience irritation after eating spicy foods.
Myth: Spicy foods detox your body.
Capsaicin has been shown to prevent cell damage in lab and animal studies. Its antioxidant effects in humans are yet to be discovered.
Myth: Eating chili prevents cancer.
Capsaicin’s anti-cancer effects have only been shown in test-tube and animal studies. These effects are not proven in humans.
