Why Spicy Foods Make You Feel Better
If you’ve ever noticed a strange feeling when you eat spicy food, you’re not just imagining things. Capsaicin, the compound that makes hot peppers hot, causes your brain to release chemicals that make some people feel agitated or agitated.
Helix, the journal and blog of Northwestern University, explains that the spice is not actually a taste, but a sensation caused by capsaicinoids. Simply put, these connections send a message to your brain that makes it think it is hurting. In response, your brain releases endorphins and dopamine. Helix parses this:
One such message produced by capsaicinoids is substance P, which transmits pain signals. The brain responds by releasing another type of neurotransmitter known as endorphins. Endorphins are the body’s natural way of relieving pain by blocking the nerve’s ability to transmit pain signals. In addition, the neurotransmitter dopamine, which is responsible for feelings of reward and pleasure, is also released. In fact, some people who consume large amounts of spicy food experience a feeling of euphoria, similar to the “runner’s high.”
In short, if you feel pleasantly aroused after eating something spicy, you should thank capsaicin. Read more in the full Helix post below.
THIS IS YOUR BRAIN ON CAPSAICIN | HELIX