18 Dinner Recipes People Who Love Spicy Food Will Probably Sweat Over (2024)

FAQs

What is the best food for spicy food? ›

Dairy products containing casein, such as milk, yogurt, and ice cream, are particularly effective in calming the burn. Thanks to their ability to attract and wash away capsaicin molecules.

A burning sensation spreads across the lips and ignites the tongue. Mucous membranes, which protect the lungs from harmful inhalables, go into overdrive, making the nose run. A surge of blood travels through dilated vessels and body temperature shoots up, triggering a full on sweat meant to evaporate the heat away.

India: Phaal Curry

Recognised as the spiciest dish on the planet, those who attempt to eat the fiery Phaal Curry are often required to sign a form before eating (essentially so they won't sue the restaurant if something goes terribly wrong).

Phaal Curry, India

The chefs at the restaurants that serve Phaal curry wear gas masks while making the dish. If that is any hint of how hot and spicy the dish is.

There are a few reasons why spicy foods tend to cause gastrointestinal distress. “Capsaicin, when consumed in significant quantities, can be detrimental to the GI tract because it's absorbed with greater efficiency in the stomach and upper small intestine,” says Dr.

It can cause gastrointestinal distress

Eating spicy food in moderation is generally safe for people who don't already have stomach issues. However, it can cause inflammation to the areas that aid digestion and can sometimes lead to heartburn, stomachaches or diarrhea.

In many cases, eating spicy foods actually can be beneficial. Studies have linked spicy foods to various health benefits, including lowering bad cholesterol, boosting gut health and increasing metabolism. The ingredient that makes foods spicy, capsaicin, is also used on the skin for pain management.

Who has the highest spice tolerance? ›

People from Mexico, Korea, or India are naturally more tolerant of spicy food because they consume them regularly. They have become desensitized to the pain from a young age.

Capsaicin can irritate the lining of your stomach and intestines. Some people can handle the minor irritation just fine but for more sensitive stomachs, it can lead to diarrhea. Digestion is a very well-organized process that starts with the first bite of food and finishes when we have a bowel movement.

Try to eat something spicy at least once a week. It takes time to build up a tolerance to spicy food, so be patient! The chemical responsible for the heat in spicy food is called capsaicin. The same way that your body builds a tolerance to things like alcohol and caffeine, it can build a tolerance to capsaicin.

Spicy foods that contain capsaicin may help improve blood pressure, satiety, gut health, and longevity. However, research is conflicting, and most existing evidence is limited to observational and animal studies. High intakes of spicy foods may cause uncomfortable GI symptoms like nausea, stomach pain, and diarrhea.

Spicy foods contain antioxidants, which can aid our immune system. Feivor explains, “Antioxidants work to fight off free radicals, which assist in generating inflammatory diseases such as heart disease, cancer and autoimmune disorders which positively impact our immune system.”

Building your tolerance for spicy foods takes time, and it won't happen overnight. Be patient and persistent, and don't give up if you experience discomfort or burnout. Your taste buds will gradually adapt to the heat, and you'll be able to handle spicier foods in no time.

Because the sensation of heat and pain is from a chemical reaction, it will eventually fade once the capsaicin molecules neutralize and stop binding to the receptors. Typically, this takes about 20 minutes, Currie said. It may take longer depending on the person and the heat of the pepper.