When it comes to spicy food, the effect can vary depending on the type of pepper and the individual. For most people, capsaicin, the active compound in chili peppers responsible for their taste and heat, is generally safe in the amounts typically consumed. Some studies even suggest that it can benefit our health.
However, higher concentrations of capsaicin can be challenging. It may lead to heartburn, stomach irritation, and exacerbate conditions like irritable bowel syndrome. Additionally, it can be harmful to children. In a tragic incident in 2023, a 14-year-old boy with a heart condition passed away after participating in a social media challenge involving spicy tortilla chips.
It’s difficult to determine a specific threshold for danger, but we’re not talking about your everyday hot sauce. The hottest chili peppers in the world possess a Scoville heat unit higher than military-grade pepper spray and can be a hundred times more intense than the condiment you typically add to your food.
This article addresses the question posed by Dan Knapton via email: “How spicy is too spicy?”
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