Have you ever wondered where those spiciness of a chili peppers came from? If you're curious like me, then let’s discover the reason behind the spiciness of a chili pepper!

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The origin of chili pepper is believed to be as old as 7000 B.C. used in Mexico. Chili peppers were grown and cultivated from 3500 BC. Mexicans used it to spice up their food. Chili was brought to the rest of the world by Christopher Columbus who discovered America in 1493. Christopher had set from Spain to reach India to bring spices such as pepper back to his country. Christopher not only mistook America for India, but also mistook chili as the black pepper. That is how the chili got the name ‘chili pepper.’ He took chili pepper back to Spain where it became a very famous spice.

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Chili Peppers are used in many dishes to add a special kick on it. Once tasted it will give a hot burning sensation inside your mouth! The main culprit behind this spiciness is the substance called Capsaicin. It is an active component of chili peppers, which causes an irritation for mammals, including humans, and produces a sensation of burning in any tissue with which it comes into contact. Then what happens is, the Capsaicin will bind to the receptors that respond to pain from heat in the mouth and throat. And then the brain will respond to it sending its fighting agents, which results in increased circulation (boosts metabolism), cooling perspiration and typical reactions to any irritant like runny nose and teary eyes. These reactions are natural when eating spicy foods, but if you feel this and you haven’t eaten any spicy food at all, you might want to see a doctor! HAHA!

When you feel this burning sensation, don’t drink water! Capsaicin is a non-polar molecule and dissolves only in other non-polar molecules. Water on the other hand, is a polar substance and it will just spread the capsaicin around your mouth making the heat even worse. So the solution to this is a non-polar substance, like Milk. Casein, the protein in milk, according to the American Chemical Society, helps break the bonds capsaicin forms on nerve receptors and relieves you from spiciness. Other non-polar substance such as Alcohol, sugar and Bread can also relieve you from the hot sensation.

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Though some people hate the burning sensation that we feel after eating spicy foods, there are some hidden health benefits that chili peppers can offer. Such as the weight loss, heart health and also cancer prevention. So if you’re one of those who hate to eat spicy food, you might to think twice! HAHAHA!