Tag: Pain perception

According to a 2021 study by Stanford University, genetics can account for 18–58% of a person’s spice tolerance, indicating that our capacity to handle the heat is more complex than a simple preference. This means that for some, a fiery meal is a pleasurable thrill, while for others, it is an unbearable, painful experience.

In a startling paradox, the fiery sensation of spicy food is not a burn at all, but a complex neurological illusion triggered by a chemical compound called capsaicin. So, does spicy food burn you? The truth lies in how our bodies perceive and respond to this harmless, yet potent, molecular impostor.

The burning sensation from spicy food isn't an actual temperature increase, but a neurological trick played by the compound capsaicin on your pain receptors. So, can spicy food actually hurt your mouth, or is the heat all in your head?

Did you know the term "delta fiber" can refer to two entirely different things, a telecommunications company or a type of nerve fiber? In the Netherlands, DELTA Fiber is a high-speed internet provider, while in anatomy, A-delta fibers are sensory neurons that transmit sharp, localized pain and temperature signals.

According to a 2022 survey, nearly 74% of Americans enjoy hot sauce with their food, yet many still question why does spicy feel painful. This phenomenon is not a taste but a perception of pain, where a chemical compound tricks your nerves into thinking you're being burned.