What Does a High Spice Tolerance Mean? The Science Behind the Heat
                                
                                
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                                    3 min read                                
                            
                                Research indicates that genetics can account for 18–58% of an individual's enjoyment and tolerance of spicy foods. This means what a high spice tolerance truly means is a complex interplay of inherited traits, learned behaviors, and psychological factors that influence how a person perceives and reacts to the 'burn' of capsaicin.