do chillies actually physically burn you or is it just a psychological reaction?

Question

I'm a big chilli fan but do worry sometimes when they hurt my tongue or mouth that theres going to be some physical damage to by body eventually!!

Answer 1

Being a former chef and chili head myself, there is no physical damage or alteration of your tongue or taste buds, it is as the others have stated a reaction from the active ingredients in the peppers, the seeds and vein are were that lies.

I have had killer hot chilis, in the UK I had a curry dish called Phal made with 12 types of hot peppers (they have to make it with a gas mask on, or fall prey to the chili fumes) they have shown a place on the FoodNetwork in N.Y City that makes it now.

I like the one lady said about her hubby, go through a bottle of Jamaican hot sauce made with scotch bonnet peppers each week, and the other comment about the exit issues is your not sure just drink a bit of milk or sweet juices are great also, like pineapple, orange or in an Indian restaurant try a "lassi" a yougart like drink, similar to a milkshake, this cools the burn, it is all a state of mind in my terms.

Answer 2

Yes, the sensation of the heat is based on an actual physical reaction. I don't think you have to worry about long term effects, however.

My husband goes through tabasco sauce by the gallon and he still has a senstivie pallet.

Answer 3

chillies contain chemicals like capsaicin which trigger the realese of another chemical called substance P. it is this substance P that cause the the burning sensation. though under limit chilies are said to do no harm to body but overtaking any kind of spicy food may lead to problems like acidity or ulcers

Answer 4

the heat you feel is from a chemical reaction. peppers contain capsaisin, it is an oil concentrated most heavily in the seeds of hot peppers of all varieties. some peppers are hotter thus containing a stronger concentration. i dont think there is a long term effect of repeated exposure to this chemical....if you're not careful, it hurts when you poo...

Answer 5

Green chilis et. al contain capsasin, which creates the "heat" you experience when you eat them. It is advised that you wear gloves when handling chilis to avoid getting the oil on your hands and accidently rubbing your eyes. Its not a psychological issue at all, its all in the chili! :)

Answer 6

cap·sa·i·cin
NOUN:
A colorless, pungent, crystalline compound, C18H27NO3, that is derived from capsicum and is a strong irritant to skin and mucous membranes.

I say some people train or condition themselves to "enjoy" the chili's
Others ,,,, the experience is so upsetting they avoid them
I think it has become an insanity and a form of masochism

Answer 7

i fink its just the reaction x