I would bet that your cousin has actually lost some of her ability to taste how spicy those peppers are, Kristin. We get used to certain levels of "heat" and they fail to give us that spicy sensation, so we increase the dosage, so to speak.
Some folks drown their food in spices and peppers because it helps amp up their metabolism and, they believe, helps them lose weight or keep it off better. Capsaicin, which gives chile peppers their powerful kick, creates the most heat, which helps burn more calories immediately after a meal. Black pepper and ginger have similar effects. Could this be an issue with your cousin?
Here's a healthcare blog that talks about the negative -- if fairly minor -- effects of lots and lots of spicy food:
Spicy foods can make symptoms of heartburn and ulcers worse. And if your cousin ever has a sore on her tongue that doesn't go away and seems to be sensitive to spicy food, she should see her doctor or dentist and ask about it. Oral cancers can start as a fairly innocuous white spot on the tongue -- something we might just see as an irritation. If it doesn't go away, it's worth some attention.
Comment Reply
I would bet that your cousin has actually lost some of her ability to taste how spicy those peppers are, Kristin. We get used to certain levels of "heat" and they fail to give us that spicy sensation, so we increase the dosage, so to speak.
Some folks drown their food in spices and peppers because it helps amp up their metabolism and, they believe, helps them lose weight or keep it off better. Capsaicin, which gives chile peppers their powerful kick, creates the most heat, which helps burn more calories immediately after a meal. Black pepper and ginger have similar effects. Could this be an issue with your cousin?
Here's a healthcare blog that talks about the negative -- if fairly minor -- effects of lots and lots of spicy food:
http://blogs.healthcare.com/healthyseason/2008/11/29/why-you-should-be-careful-with-spicy-food/
Spicy foods can make symptoms of heartburn and ulcers worse. And if your cousin ever has a sore on her tongue that doesn't go away and seems to be sensitive to spicy food, she should see her doctor or dentist and ask about it. Oral cancers can start as a fairly innocuous white spot on the tongue -- something we might just see as an irritation. If it doesn't go away, it's worth some attention.
February 2, 2009 - 9:33amThis Comment
Reply