Why Are Things Spicy? 🌶️
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Morning Spice Lovers!
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/649aa49e57793ed61ecbd3fd/66266a1dd4b079f05fcb96f1_SPICY_gif.gif)
Have you ever wondered why this happens?
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/649aa49e57793ed61ecbd3fd/66266a1efd72ca8f80ff8ca2_G1A.webp)
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/649aa49e57793ed61ecbd3fd/66266a1d825a4f9454da87ca_G1B.webp)
What exactly is spice?
Well, we often say food tastes spicy, but spicy isn't actually a taste like sweet, salty or sour.
“Spiciness” is actually just a big trick on your brain.
Let me explain…
So, your body is covered in a bunch of heat receptors called TRPV1 receptors.
Especially in your mouth and nose.
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/649aa49e57793ed61ecbd3fd/66266a1d4a00fff5088bf027_G1C.webp)
These are designed to alert your brain when you're touching something REALLY FREAKIN HOT.
And I don't mean spicy hot, I mean like hand-on-the-stove hot.
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/649aa49e57793ed61ecbd3fd/66266a1d23d2f0b5edcd6011_G1D.webp)
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Here's where it gets interesting.
When you take a bite of a spicy food, it sprays out a bunch of special molecules called Capsaicinoids which bind to those heat receptors in your mouth.
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/649aa49e57793ed61ecbd3fd/66266a1ea3217a5e414a5c50_G1G.webp)
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/649aa49e57793ed61ecbd3fd/66266a1ea671038699158a14_G1H.webp)
Now, despite there being no actual heat, this tricks the receptors into sending a signal to your brain that basically says, "OH MY GOD ITS HOT!"
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/649aa49e57793ed61ecbd3fd/66266a1e8ce2ea9b92f6a17f_G1I.webp)
Your brain interprets this signal as if you had just swallowed a glass of burning hot molten lava.
This is what causes the fiery feeling we associate with spiciness.
The opposite happens when you eat something with menthol in it. Like a mint.
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/649aa49e57793ed61ecbd3fd/66266a1e5f46e13987c11d43_G1J.webp)
The cool, minty compound activates your cold receptors, so it feels a little cold.
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/649aa49e57793ed61ecbd3fd/66266a1ee3951d26fafccba4_G1K.webp)
But the main point here is that when you eat a chili pepper for example, your mouth feels like it's burning because your brain actually thinks it's burning.
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/649aa49e57793ed61ecbd3fd/66266a1ea9e78e4c48818635_G1L.webp)
So, here’s how your body fights back:
Response 1: Your body goes into overdrive, producing TONS of sweat, especially on your forehead and scalp.
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/649aa49e57793ed61ecbd3fd/66266a1e24da7ea91d50a14f_G1M.webp)
Response 2: Your nose starts running like crazy, producing tons of mucus to try to flush out any hot stuff.
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/649aa49e57793ed61ecbd3fd/66266a1e7775ae72f21fcc53_G1N.webp)
Response 3: Lastly, your eyes start running like a waterfall.
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/649aa49e57793ed61ecbd3fd/66266a1ed7920bb8b38b30b1_G1O.webp)
So, there you have it.
Spice is a thing because your brain is stupid.
Stay Cute,
Reece, Henry & Dylan 🌈
If you’re that sexy friend, subscribe here.
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