Flowering members of the nightshade family of plants, hot peppers belong to the genus capsicum and are native to the tropical Americas. People unaccustomed to the intense effects on the human body shy away from these brightly colored, pungent fruits, but if you can tolerate the burn, ingesting hot peppers actually is quite beneficial.
Capsaicin
Capsaicin is a natural chemical found in hot peppers and other members of the capsicum family. The highest amounts of capsaicin reside where the seeds attach to the inner membrane of the hot pepper. The amount of capsaicin in hot peppers depends on variety. Exposure to capsaicin causes a disruption to your nervous system and is highly irritating to the eyes, nose, skin and lungs. According to the National Pesticide Information Center, the Environmental Protection Agency labels capsaicin a biochemical pesticide.
The Natural High
Hot pepper consumption has a positive effect on your mental and physical health. When you eat a hot pepper, pain receptors in your mouth react with the capsaicin. This reaction also triggers an endorphin release. The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell University explains that this endorphin release produces a natural high that resembles that of a runner's high. This overall feeling of well-being also might act as a natural pain reliever if you are suffering from body pain.
Metabolism
The heat produced by the capsaicin in hot peppers sends neurotransmitters scrambling to relieve the burning sensation. AgriLIFE Extension explains that in an effort to eliminate the chemical irritant, your body begins to sweat, your heart rate begins to speed up and your salivary glands produce more saliva. During this time, your nose also might begin to run as mucus secretion increases. This response also increases your metabolism, which is why some manufacturers add capsaicin to their diet pill formulas.
Misconceptions
Hot peppers have gotten a bad rap over the years. It is a common fallacy that the capsaicin in hot peppers destroys the lining of your stomach and causes painful ulcers in the stomach and duodenum. According to "Medill Reports" from Chicago, Northwestern University, consuming hot peppers and other spicy foods can irritate an existing ulcer, but the capsaicin in hot peppers is not the direct cause of ulcers.
References
- National Pesticide Information Center; Capsaicin General Fact Sheet; March 2009
- The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell University; "Garden Mosaics"; Peppers Teaching Tips
- AgriLIFE: Pepper
- "Medill Reports"; Chicago, Northwestern University; Peppers Are Hot -- As A Health and Diet Aid; Darren Swan; October 2007
