Origin
Hot peppers were present in the menu of many people 7500 BC. and are among the first
cultivated plants in South America. They came to Europe from Mexico in the 16th century on the ships of the Spanish conquistadors.
The hotness (capsaicin) and its influence on our body:
The hotness in chili peppers is a substance called capsaicin. Capsaicin is measured in scovils.
Important: In case of excessive irritation, the only “antidote” is fresh milk and milk products derived from it. Drinking water will only increase the heat.
Capsaicin is a colorless and odorless substance found in the central membrane and veins that hold the seeds of the pepper. When capsaicin and its derivatives touch the taste receptors in the mouth and throat, the pain center in the brain is activated and it instantly releases endorphins (the hormone of happiness) to calm it down.
Endorphins are produced by the pituitary gland and hypothalamus in vertebrates during strenuous exercise, arousal or orgasm. Endorphins also cause analgesia (absence of feeling of pain) and contribute to a person’s health. The hormones of happiness work as a natural medicine against colds and all other diseases.
The use of spicy foods leads to addiction. The regular use makes a person gets used to the sensation and feels a desire to consume more and more spicy foods.
Applications of capsaicin:
Capsaicin is used in pharmaceuticals as a soothing balm (for example, for muscle pain). It affects the Neurotransmitter, (a chemical substance that sends signals to the brain when some kind of pain occurs). Capsaicin leads to an increase in the release substance (neurotransmitter), almost until it is completely depleted. In this way, creams of this type reduce the feeling of pain.
Capsaicin from hot peppers is used in the military industry to make pepper spray and grenades to disperse demonstrations.
In India and Zimbabwe, they use the hottest peppers, sprinkling them around the produce fields. Thus the elephants stay at a distance and cannot devastate the crops.
There are over 3,500 varieties of chili peppers in the world.
Hot peppers belong to the category of superfoods, they contain anti-oxidants and protect against cancer.
Spicy stimulates blood circulation and metabolism. Eating chili regularly makes you healthier and more energetic.
