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Food Science
Why Spicy Food Causes Pain But Also Pleasure at the Same Time
Fact 1 of 264%
Capsaicin tricks your brain into thinking your mouth is literally burning.
A red chili pepper showing its inner seeds.
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The chemical compound capsaicin binds to TRPV1 heat receptors on your tongue. This sends an urgent signal to the brain that your mouth is touching something over 109 degrees Fahrenheit.
"Your body reacts to chemical heat the same way it reacts to fire."
This is why you sweat and turn red even though no physical burn is occurring.
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