see my thing is i find that i seem to enjoy when ever i go out to eat in either a hot wings restraunt or just getting cajun in new orleans, and well i find it to be the best thing if the wings are so spicey that they cause pain and well i was wondering if anyone could explain this, or if anyone else has this happen thanks
may the force be with u
2007-03-04 09:07:59 · 11 answers · asked by vincent, the lord of chaos 1 in Food & Drink ➔ Ethnic Cuisine
Many researchers have attempted to explain why hot spices are pleasant to taste. It seems the burning sensation is the pain of nerve endings on the tongue. This releases endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, giving rise to pleasurable and even euphoric sensations.
2007-03-04 10:18:33 · answer #1 · answered by Desi Chef 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with Desi Chef, and would just add that it's also been proven that individuals have different abilities to tolerate the heat. Some tolerance can be built up over time, but some people just don't register the heat as quickly or painfully as others genetically.
I really wish I *could* be one of the hot-spice lovers because chiles, etc., actually have a lot of vitamins, and heat is also a simple way to give oomph to any food (and also can allow one to avoid using fat to up the flavor).
I'd also be able to eat at many more ethnic restaurants because although I love all the spices they use, I can't take the hot spices and they're almost always loaded with them.
Diane B.
2007-03-04 19:17:45 · answer #2 · answered by Diane B. 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I eat a lot of Indian food and they use some spicy sauces! The spicier the better! It is because spices (used correctly) warm our bodies and when we are warm we are comforted. It triggers our brain to feel comfortable by the warmth we feel. There is a limit though. Some things, if the spices are not balanced can cause us irritation or cause moodiness.
2007-03-04 17:12:22 · answer #3 · answered by Heather H 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Spices enhance the flavor of some foods, and create flavors in other, blander foods. At one time, spices were literally worth their weight in gold and in fact, peppercorns were used as currency in the 1700s because they were so scarce and so valuable.
The basic reason we enjoy spices is because the flavors give us pleasure, and anything that gives pleasure becomes desirable.
2007-03-04 17:17:15 · answer #4 · answered by old lady 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think for some it's just a matter of more flavor, I personally can't understand why someone would burn their taste buds like that, as it would be the only thing I could taste, the flavor of the actual food would be lost.
But to each his own, I guess for the same reason some load theirs up with salt, or butter. a matter of taste
Either that or they just want to keep their sinuses clear
2007-03-04 17:11:33 · answer #5 · answered by Mystee_Rain 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am from louisiana and we are all about spices.Spices add an extra umph to your plain, everyday, meals. I am always used to adding hot sauce, jalepenos, cayenne pepper, and other spices to my food. Once you get used to it, you will enjoy the spiciness, it is always fun trying to take on something EXTRA spicy and then laughing because you are crying your eyes out from the burning sensation and gulping down gallons and gallons of lemonade and water!!
2007-03-04 17:45:12 · answer #6 · answered by Kim 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well it gives the food a little flavor to make it taste better
2007-03-04 17:38:31 · answer #7 · answered by Jesica is flyy:) 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What's there to explain? Some people like spicy stuff and some people don't; it all depends on an individual's own tastes.
2007-03-04 17:11:57 · answer #8 · answered by ♥Raven 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The simple answer is that food without spice is bland.
2007-03-04 17:15:29 · answer #9 · answered by xox_bass_player_xox 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Spices can bring out or add flavor.
2007-03-04 17:11:38 · answer #10 · answered by ra63 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋