If anyone could please explain it... not even my AP Chemistry teacher knew why...
Also, some sources would be nice, of course. It's good to be able to look things up.
2007-03-22 16:41:05 · 6 answers · asked by Pendergast 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Other - Science
Here's a simple explanation, for more scientific and complicated explanations see my sources:
Your body has very sensitive "sensors" that alert the brain what something's heat level is. We don't actually feel things, we interpret stimuli through our brain. Luckily our nervous system is highly sophisticated and is usually accurate about alerting us if something is actually hot or cold.
However, spicy foods have chemicals that falsely set off the sensors that alert your brain that something hot. It's the same with menthol or mint only they falsely set off the sensors telling you something is cold.
2007-03-22 16:54:46 · answer #1 · answered by MeekaBee 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Spicy food have differing levels of acid in them. The greater the asorbic acid levels, the worse the burn.
Peppermint has menthol which releases vapors. As the vapors leave your tongue it takes some body heat with it, leaving a cooling sensation.
Hope this helps!
Peace.
2007-03-22 16:53:01 · answer #2 · answered by Depoetic 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Menthol makes your blood vessels dilate, which makes you feel colder even though it actually makes the spot warmer. It's called "vasodilation." Capsaicin just hurts, it's not actually "hot."
2007-03-22 17:06:29 · answer #3 · answered by Anniekd 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i have a feeling that it has to do with the menthol in the peppermint. menthol is a local anesthetic, which causes numbness, but obviously not to the extent that you are completely numb.
2007-03-22 16:44:42 · answer #4 · answered by kmac989 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
pattys are MINT and spicy foods are SPICY?
2007-03-22 16:44:04 · answer #5 · answered by AltF4IsAGlitch 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
peppermint=MINT spicy foods=SPICE like idk..paprika...peppers..etc.
2007-03-22 16:54:39 · answer #6 · answered by Jebrael Fernandez 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋