While strolling through the isles of the food section, you might notice a large amount of spicy products on the shelves. This is because over 54% of Americans prefer spicy products compared to any other flavor (First We Feast). For example, Flamin’ Hot, famously known for their Cheetos, has released numerous products using their signature spicy flavor, some being mac and cheese, popcorn, and different chip brands like Lays and Doritos. 

In elementary school, students learn our five main tastes: sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and savory flavors. Spicy is not part of this: spice is a type of pain. When eating a fiery dish, the spicy sensations activate pain pathways in the oral cavity, the same path which is activated by hot temperature. When consuming a spicy product, people put themselves in a type of pain to enjoy the food. 

Plants evolved to have a kick to them so that animals wouldn’t eat them. In fact, humans are the only animals who seek out these spicy foods. Ironically, these plants were designed so people won’t enjoy them.

Though chugging milk is the common result to eating fiery foods, there are benefits to tolerating the pain. Capsaicin is the chemical compound that is found in spicy products and  causes the burning sensation. When consumed, compounds from capsaicin can increase energy as well as your body’s metabolism. When the body notices the pain, it releases chemicals such as adrenaline, dopamine, and endorphins. Adrenaline is a hormone that prepares your body for the  “fight or flight” response. Because of this rush of adrenaline, thrill-seeking individuals are seen to be more eager to venture in their spicy food journey. Dopamine helps boost your mood and reduces sadness. Endorphins are a natural pain killer that also cause a pleasant sensation. It is also known as the “feel good chemical.” There is also evidence to spicy food being beneficial in reducing the amount of harmful bacteria in your gut (Ohio State Insights). 

If you are looking to improve your spice tolerance, constant exposure to spicy food could help build a higher tolerance. Tolerance to hot foods comes from a physical change in how the pain receptors in the body react to capsaicin. Having good spice tolerance is not something someone is born with, and is often varied by the culture you grow up in.

Even though spicy food has multiple benefits for the body, some people don’t enjoy the thought of eating something that burns. Madison Chou (10) states, “I don’t like spicy food because I’ll be in pain for no reason.” Even if some despise the burn of spicy foods, many enjoy the thrill and flavor of eating these snacks.