Book a chef near you

Choose your preference:

4 Persons

Why do we Love Spicy Food? The Science Behind the Heat

Why do we Love Spicy Food -CookinGenie blog

We all know at least one person who loves their food insanely hot. They insist that their hot wings “aren’t spicy enough unless I’m dripping with sweat.”  On it’s face, that doesn’t make sense. Spicy foods cause physical pain, not just in the mouth, but sometime through the entire body. Why would we deliberately eat, and enjoy, something that causes pain? Well, it turns out, there are actually some pretty compelling reasons why so many people around the world love the way it hurts.

Spicy Foods Can Cause a “High”

Spice is not a “flavor” but rather a sensation. The sensation of spice comes from the chemical compound capsaicin, which is the substance that makes hot peppers hot. Capsaicin causes pain and triggers the body to think it’s in danger. In response, the body releases endorphins, which are pleasure causing hormones, this is the body’s way of trying to eliminate the “threat” it feels when you eat spicy food. This chemical release causes some people to associate eating hot foods with happiness, creating a “high”, similar to that of the good feeling you get after exercising.

When the body feels it’s in danger, it will also release the survival hormone adrenaline, which can give someone eating a fiery hot bowl of noodles a sense of heart-pounding excitement, just like if they were riding a roller coaster or bungee jumping. In short, for many, eating hot foods is a kind of thrill seeking.

Hot Peppers are Full of Antimicrobial Properties

It stands to reason that since the chemicals in hot peppers cause us pain, they can also be harmful to bacteria, viruses, and other microbes. Before refrigeration, hot peppers were often used to help preserve food and ward off bacteria in hotter parts of the world. This was integral to food safety; hot peppers were literally life savers.

That’s why hotter countries like India and Mexico have developed very spicy traditional cuisines while more temperate climates like England and Scandinavia produce much more mild food. So, because of these antimicrobial properties found in hot peppers, many cultures created spicy traditional dishes and over generations, billions of people have come to love them.

Also Read: How to Reduce the Burn of Spiciness

Hot Food’s Health Benefits

One reason we may love spicy food is because it’s so good for us. Extensive amounts of scientific research point to all kinds of health benefits from eating spicy foods. Capsaicin, the chemical compound found in chili peppers, is loaded with antioxidants and anti-inflammatories. Capsaicin has also been linked to improved digestion, an increased metabolism, better heart health, reduction in cancer risk, and a strengthened immune system. Turns out, hot peppers are one of nature’s true superfoods.

craving for spicy food?

CookinGenie Brings the Heat

At CookinGenie, we offer a range of fiery, delicious dishes that appeal to even the most avid of heat seekers. Try genie Hayley Hunter’s Red Thai Curry, which uses bird’s eye chili peppers along with a blend of aromatic Thai ingredients to make a vibrant, spicy curry sauce filled with stir-fried vegetables. Perhaps order genie Dylan’s Jerk Chicken, which takes juicy chicken legs and slathers them in a tangy, sweet & spicy Jamaican sauce made from habaneros, ginger, cinnamon, and more.

Whatever, your spice preference may be, CookinGenie can accommodate you. You can always request that a dish be more (or less) spicy, and our genies can even make separate plates so that some portions are really spicy for the heat lover in your family, and the rest are milder. To bring the delicious, healthy heat to your kitchen, book a genie today.

Author Profile

George Zappas

Executive Chef

George Zappas, CookinGenie's Executive Chef, is a passionate culinary professional with 15+ years of experience. George calls Cincinnati home and is dedicated to creating unforgettable dining experiences, mentoring chefs, and inspiring food exploration.

You May Also Like

Mar 30, 2023

Crafting the Perfect Cheeseboard: A Guide to Selecting the Right Cheeses

Cheeseboards can be a great way to serve up an impressive spread for any occasion, from a casual night in with friends to a more formal dinner. But there is...

Read More

Christmas dinner in Columbus

Jun 13, 2023

7 Easy Tips for Hosting the Best Christmas Dinner in Columbus

During the holiday season, an enchanting atmosphere brimming with joy and togetherness envelops us all. It’s a time when hearts are lifted, and the spirit of unity flourishes, bringing loved...

Read More

process of hiring a personal chef - CookinGenie blog

Nov 29, 2021

A Complete Process of Hiring a Personal Chef for Your Next Dinner Party

You’ve got a dinner party coming up, and you’re going through all of the different options you have available to you. However, if you’re not considering hiring a personal chef to handle...

Read More

Understanding USDA Beef Grades_CookinGenie_blog

Jul 29, 2021

Understanding USDA Beef Grades

When you walk through the meat section at the grocery store, you will often find steaks labeled with a small shield in the right-hand corner, denoting a USDA grade and...

Read More

How Chefs Manage Their Own Business

Jun 09, 2021

CookinGenie: A Better Way for Chefs to Manage Their Own Business

If you’re a talented chef, you probably know the rewarding feeling of cooking for friends and family and being met with rave reviews. They might ask you when your restaurant...

Read More

Vegan Restaurants in Lexington

Nov 21, 2023

The Best Vegan Restaurants in Lexington: Where to Go for a Delicious and Satisfying Plant-Based Meal

Imagine a city where every bite tells a story of tradition and innovation. That’s Lexington for you, where the age-old charm of Southern cuisine blends seamlessly with the vibrant, health-conscious...

Read More

10 ways CookinGenie makes meal planning easy!

Jul 22, 2022

10 Ways CookinGenie Makes Meal Planning Easy

In the past few years, the demand for Private dining experiences has increased across Ohio. Many hosts now prefer to hire personal chefs to prepare delicious quality food at their...

Read More

Beat the Heat Easy and Scrumptious No-Cook Recipes for Summer

Apr 10, 2023

Beat the Heat: Easy and Scrumptious No-Cook Recipes for Summer

As the mercury rises and the sun beats down, you lose your appetite for cooking and feasting on hot, simmering food.   Turning on the stove or oven and adding more...

Read More

Charcuterie - CookinGenie blog

Apr 26, 2021

How to Dazzle Your Dinner Party Guests? A Charcuterie Spread May Be The Answer

Whether it be displayed out at your dinner party, the beginning of date night, or accompanying your favorite bottle of wine, a charcuterie board is a perfect accouterment. Charcuterie (pronounced “shahr–kyut-uh-ree”) is...

Read More

Book A Personal Chef

Don't settle for ordinary, elevate your event with a personal chef

You May Also Like

Oct 30, 2019

Cooking Gigs – yes that’s a thing now

Gig economy is changing the worker employee relationship. By allowing people to specialize in a specific area of their expertise, it allows many workers to do the thing they are...

Read More

Oct 29, 2019

Meal kits – chop chop flop

Do It Yourself meal kits have been around since the early 2000’s and rose quickly in popularity. Globally the business size is well over $2B. So why has this service...

Read More

Delicious Gluten Free Meals with CookinGenie

Jul 06, 2021

Find Delicious Gluten Free Meals with CookinGenie

The Challenge of Eating Gluten Free For many Americans, trying to find good gluten free meals is a never-ending struggle. It’s estimated that about 30% of Americans follow a gluten...

Read More

Dec 18, 2022

Easy and Enjoyable Vegetarian Dishes to Serve at a Dinner Party

Vegetarian cuisine has become increasingly popular over the years, and there’s nothing quite like serving up a delicious feast of vegetarian dishes at a dinner party! Vegetarian food is flavorful,...

Read More

10 Time-Saving Services That Every Busy Mom Should Use

Aug 24, 2022

10 Time-Saving Services That Every Busy Mom Should Use

Being a mom is one of the most challenging jobs in the world. You must take care of your children, keep the house in order, cook meals, and handle all...

Read More

Cleveland Food Tour

Sep 05, 2023

How to Prepare for a Fascinating Cleveland Food Tour

Imagine strolling down vibrant streets lined with local eateries, the aroma of diverse cuisines wafting through the air, and your taste buds tingling with anticipation. Welcome to the world of...

Read More

How to Emulsify Anything

Jan 31, 2023

The Secret to Creating Perfect Emulsions Every Time  

Ready to conquer the culinary challenge of emulsifying seemingly incompatible liquids? Whether you’re trying to add oil to a vinaigrette dressing, combine cream and stock for a luxurious soup, or...

Read More

The History of Wineries and Vineyards

Nov 12, 2022

The History of Wineries and Vineyards in Ohio

Ohio is home to a rich viticultural history, with the first grapes (Alexander and Isabella) planted in the Ohio River Valley in 1823. Since then, the Ohio wine industry has...

Read More

Cincinnati Chef for Your Dinner Party

May 02, 2023

How To Choose the Best Cincinnati Chef for Your Dinner Party

Welcome to Queen City, where food and community unite in a way that’s unique to this region. With a rich culinary history that includes German-inspired dishes like goetta and sauerkraut...

Read More