Did you know?
Why Are Peppers Hot?
Have you ever wondered what makes hot peppers hot? Well, hot peppers (as opposed to sweet peppers, like Bell) have an
alkaline, oily substance called capsaicin. Capsaicin, or 8-methyl-n-vanillyl-6-nonenamide, is soluble in cold water,
which is why drinking water to alleviate the burn won't work.
That heat is rated in Scoville units (named after Wilbur Scoville, who discovered the technique), which tell you how
much the pepper must be diluted before you can't taste the heat any more. For instance, a bell pepper's rating is zero,
meaning there is no heat. An Anaheim is 1,500 Scoville units; Jalapenos are 5,000; Cayennes are 30,000; and Habaneros
are around 300,000. That means if you poured a cup full of Habanero heat into a large empty swimming pool, you would
have to add nearly 300,000 more cups of water to it before the heat disappears. Whoa!
Boy, Those Peppers Make Me Feel Good! How Come?
You may wonder, besides macho competition, why anyone would want to eat something so hot they're temporarily speechless
(well, sometimes more than temporarily. And we're not so sure about the macho competition thing!) Endorphins is why.
When the capsaicin hits your tongue, it sends pain signals to your brain, which in turn, releases endorphins, causing
a mild euphoria (endorphins are natural opiates). Each new, hot bite stimulates the brain to send out more endorphins
to soothe the pain. So, the more you eat, the better you feel! Of course, I'm sure those who seek out such hot fare
would tell you it's because of the flavor alone. Yeah - right.
How Can I Eliminate The "Burn"?
The very worst thing you can do is to drink water - as it just spreads the oils in the capsaicin around. Beer isn't much
better (sorry!).
In Mexico, restaurants routinely serve bread to sop up the burn. Many also serve ice cream; milk and yogurt work
great, too. The reason? Milk contains a protein (casein) which binds with the capsaicin alkaloid, neutralizing it.
You can also try using peanut butter.
So, if you eat too many hot peppers, you may still wake up with the "ring of fire" (we suppose you can imagine what this
means...) the next morning. But if you drink a little milk, at least your mouth will feel better!
And remember, wash your fingers before putting them in your eyes (or going to the bathroom - yowtch!!!). And for heaven's
sake, don't plan a romantic moment before you've scrubbed those hands really well (we're speaking from experience here).
It's a heck of a way to ruin your partner's evening.
Hot peppers also:
- Help improve digestion
- Regulate and improve elimination
- Prevent the spread of infection
- Lower cholesterol
- Offer a hemorrhoid cure (with topical application)
- Offer antibiotic and analgesic properties
More Uses for Hot Peppers
Termite Control
Grady Glen, a Texas A&M researcher, recently laced samples of wood with Habaneros. He found that termites took
one bite, then quickly backed off. Mr. Glenn is now testing the capsaicin wash against another crawling scourge -
fire ants.
Barnacles
A chile pepper wash has been found to keep barnacles off of the underside of boats. Barnacles cause billions of
dollars of damage each year to sea-going vessels, requiring the vessels to be dry-docked and re-painted every few months.
Medicinal Uses of Hot Peppers
This information is presented for informational purposes only. Anyone experiencing a medical
problem should, of course, contact his or her physician.
Arthritis I | Arthritis II | Arthritis III | High Blood Pressure
Cluster Headaches and Migraines | Depression | Flu or Respiratory Problems
Herpes Simplex | Muscle Pain | Overactive Bladder/Incontinence
Pain & Discomfort | Poison Ivy/Poison Oak
Post-Operative Pain | Psoriasis
Scrapes & Minor Cuts | Sinusitis, Tension, & Sinus Headaches | Sore Throat
Spinal-Cord Injury | Ulcers
Arthritis I
A protein ion receptor [Vanilloid Receptor Subtype 1 (VR1)] binds with capsaicin to manage
chronic pain. This allows the influx of calcium and sodium ions to react to sensory nerve
cells. Researchers are attempting to develop more advanced drugs which would kill the pain
signals transmitted through the VR1 without harming neighboring cells. This treatment is
still in development. Back to Index
Arthritis II
Capsaicin cream can help ease the pain of arthritis when rubbed on stiff joints by eliminating
the ability of sensitive nerve cells to transmit pain sensations. (Not recommended for
Rheumatoid Arthritis, an auto-immune disorder.)
Back to Index
Arthritis III
Topical capsaicin creams (such as Zostrix or Dr. K's) counter the production of a neuro-transmitter
in the joints, thus lessening pain. First, capsaicin stimulates the brain to release this neuro-transmitter
(called substance P), which lets the brain know something painful is going on - and the application of these
capsaicin creams encourages the brain to continue releasing substance P. Eventually, this depletes the body's
store of substance P, and reduces further releases from the nerve endings. Another benefit these creams
provide is a decrease in joint inflammation, as substance P also tends to prolong inflammation (which may
cause the cartilage in joints to break down.) Topical capsaicin creams offer a more effective treatment for
inflammation than internal pain relievers such as Ibuprofen and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
(NSAIDs). Regular use of NSAIDs has been linked to an increased rate of ulcers in the stomach and intestines.
Back to Index
High Blood Pressure
The consumption of chile peppers increases peripheral circulation and lowers blood pressure. Peppers, high
in vitamins A and C and bioflavinoids (all necessary nutrients for healthy cell growth), help strengthen blood
vessel walls. This helps the vessel walls to become more elastic and better able to adjust to differences in
blood pressure. Peppers are also excellent scavengers of free radicals; provide a momentary boost to the metabolic
system; and the sweating which occurs while eating hot peppers causes a loss of fluid, which temporarily reduces
overall blood volume. Back to Index
Cluster Headaches and Migraines
Zostrix, a topical capsaicin cream, has been found to relieve the pain of cluster headaches when applied inside
the nostrils 2x/day. Research is on-going for migraine treatment, but one researcher postulates that pepper
powder, snorted up the nose, will offer some sufferers effective migraine relief.
Back to Index
Depression
Chile Peppers increase endorphin production - those mood-elevating substances which are released when performing
aerobic exercise. Endorphins are natural opiates. Back to Index
Flu or Respiratory Problems
Eating hot peppers can reduce the discomfort of the flu (in part, by
promoting sweating). It also opens clogged breathing passages, and
functions as an effective expectorant.
Back to Index
Herpes Simplex
Application of the topical capsaicin cream Zostrix helps to reduce Herpes Simplex flare-ups. A fresh, cut-up
pepper is applied to the area in question. Eruptions are usually gone within 24 hours (as compared to 12 - 14
days if left untreated). This treatment may also work on shingles (Herpes Zoster). Back to Index
Muscle Pain
The topical cream, Heet, has been used for many years to reduce muscle pain (such as that caused by over-exertion
in sports). Applying a fresh, cut-up pepper to the source of the pain is also a effective
treatment. Back to Index
Overactive Bladder/Incontinence
Capsaicin dripped into the bladder by catheter desensitizes hyperirritable, aberrant neurons in
the bladder for extended periods of time. This activity blocks the premature bladder contractions
which cause an unpredictable loss of urine. Back to Index
Pain & Discomfort
Chile peppers can reduce the itching from dialysis, reduce the pain from shingles (Herpes Zoster),
and reduce the pain and tingling associated with diabetes mellitus. Capsaicin candy is also
prescribed to cancer patients, to ease mouth pain. And burn victims have started using topical
capsaicin cream to relieve their pain. Back to Index
Poison Ivy/Poison Oak
Dried peppers mixed with a little water and applied directly to the rash will cut the itch
and speed the drying process. Back to Index
Post-Operative Pain
The topical capsaicin cream, Zostrix, has been prescribed for mastectomy patients and amputees.
Back to Index
Psoriasis
Topical capsaicin creams have been prescribed to dry up psoriasis patches.
Back to Index
Sinusitis, Tension, and Sinus Headaches
Ground chile peppers are snorted up the nose to relieve headaches brought on by tension or
sinus problems (capsaicin turns off the nerve release fiber that triggers sinus and tension
headaches). This treatment has been found effective to relieve sinusutis and non-allergic
rhinitis by desensitizing the nasal nerves. Eating peppers has also been found to help one
get rid of a headache. Back to Index
Sore Throat
A spray made of 1 T 80 proof spirits, 1 T water and _ tsp. hot pepper powder reduces or
eliminates sore throat pain for up to 3 hours. As a bonus, it also clears nasal passages.
Back to Index
Spinal-Cord Injury
A protein ion receptor [Vanilloid Receptor Subtype 1 (VR1)] binds with capsaicin to manage chronic
pain. This allows the influx of calcium and sodium ions to react to sensory nerve cells. Researchers
are attempting to develop more advanced drugs which would kill the pain signals transmitted through the
VR1 without harming neighboring cells. This testament is still in development.
Back to Index
Ulcers
Hot peppers inhibit the growth of H. Pylori, the bacteria that causes certain kinds of ulcers.
Back to Index
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