Only thing that instantly stops spicy food burn named - and it's not water
Spicy food (photo: Freepik)
Fans of spicy and piquant dishes know this feeling: one careless bite of a chili pepper, and the mouth feels as if it is engulfed in real fire. The first natural reaction is to grab a glass of cold water. However, scientists warn that this may be one of the worst mistakes in such a situation.
The American Chemical Society explains which foods can actually neutralize the burning sensation in the mouth caused by spicy food.
Spicy food lovers should know that the burning sensation is caused by capsaicin. It is an oily compound found in hot peppers. It has no taste or smell, but it has a unique ability to trick the human body.
Capsaicin affects special receptors in the mouth — TRPV1 — which are responsible for sensing heat and pain. These are the same receptors that normally react to hot food or boiling water, but capsaicin “deceives” them, making the brain think a burn is occurring. In response, the body triggers a protective reaction: burning sensation, tears, sweating, and the urge to quickly drink something.
At first glance, water should help wash away the irritant, but in reality, the opposite happens because capsaicin does not dissolve in water.
As a result, when a person drinks water after spicy food, it only spreads capsaicin molecules throughout the mouth, increasing the area of irritation. This makes the burning sensation even stronger and longer-lasting.
Effective solution
The best antidote to capsaicin is milk and dairy products. This is not just a folk remedy — it is pure chemistry. Milk contains casein, a protein that can bind capsaicin molecules and literally wash them off the receptors, neutralizing their effect.
Moreover, since capsaicin is fat-soluble, whole-fat milk works much faster than skimmed milk.
What else helps besides milk
If there is no milk available, experts recommend other products containing milk fats or sugar:
- Ice cream: combines casein and low temperature, providing immediate relief.
- Yogurt or sour cream: fatty fermented dairy products work in the same way as milk.
- Sugar or honey: while they do not dissolve capsaicin, they can partially reduce the pain signal sent to the brain.
Thus, if you are eating spicy dishes with chili, sauces, or curry, or visiting an authentic Indian or Mexican restaurant, keep dairy products nearby. This is the only way to enjoy the flavor without painful consequences.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
