Myths & cautions

Spice drags around almost as many myths as there are chile varieties in the world. Let’s put a few of them out and, while we are at it, leave you a small safety manual for when you decide to play with fire.

Myths worth putting out

«Spice causes ulcers.» False. Ulcers are mostly caused by the Helicobacter pylori bacterium (and certain medications), not by chile. In fact, several studies suggest that capsaicin, in reasonable amounts, may even protect the stomach lining.

«The redder it is, the hotter it is.» False. Colour does not predict heat: a red bell pepper has no kick and a green chile can be fierce. What matters is the variety, not the shade.

«Water cools the burn.» False, and counterproductive: since capsaicin does not dissolve in water, drinking it just spreads it around your mouth. Reach for dairy, fat, a bit of bread or a squeeze of lime.

«Spice makes you lose weight.» If only. It nudges thermogenesis and metabolism up a little, but the effect is so small it does not count as a diet. No shortcuts, sorry.

Cautions for the brave

If you are going to handle very hot chiles, a couple of warnings that will save you tears:

• Wear gloves. Capsaicin clings to your skin for hours (the famous «chile hands») and genuinely burns if you then touch your eyes or any sensitive area.
• If it burns your skin, no water: wash with milk or oil, which actually carry the capsaicin away.
• Superhot challenges are not a game. A Carolina Reaper or similar can cause vomiting, intense pain and serious discomfort.

When it is better to step back

Chile does not cause these conditions, but it can aggravate them if you already suffer from them (among other things, it has a mild laxative effect). It is best to go easy, or check with your doctor first, if you have:

• A gastroduodenal ulcer or gastritis
• Inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s)
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Coeliac disease
• Haemorrhoids or anal fissures
• Liver problems

A documented scare. In 2018, a man ended up in the emergency room with a «thunderclap» headache (a brutal, sudden head pain) after eating a Carolina Reaper in a contest. He recovered, but it stands as a reminder: with the extremes, moderation.

Enjoying spice is wonderful; doing it with your head on is even better. Burn hard, but burn smart.