Does eating chillies really make your brain sharp?

When you eat chillies, the chemical in them called CAPSAICIN will activate the receptors that actually respond to higher temperature (Vanilloid receptors 1). And brain is tricked to thinking skin is in flames. This CAPSAICIN is used in research to treat chronic pain associated with cancer and joint pain. read more

But if we dig a little deeper, we’ll discover a fascinating world involving neurotransmitters, pain signals, and a brain tricked into thinking your skin is engulfed in flames. Photo: Marius Iordache. When you eat or touch hot chilis, capsaicin particles penetrate your skin, move through the tissue, and trigger deeper nerves. read more

Repeated exposure to capsaicinoids depletes these receptors, enabling you to eat hotter chillies and feel the same effect. The pain caused by this leads to the release of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers. These give a feeling of happiness and well being. The heat of peppers makes them more than just a food. read more