This viral challenge consisted of eating a corn chip topped with carolina reaper powder, one of the hottest peppers in the world, while refraining from swallowing anything else for as long as possible to reduce the burning sensation. After this death, Paqui immediately removed his product from shelves and ended his competition.
Other serious events have been recorded in recent years, including two cases of reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome also linked to the ingestion of carolina reaper peppers. Overwhelmed by sudden and violent headaches, the two victims had to be hospitalized for a long time.
So, is eating hot peppers risky? The quick answer: yes. However, the risk depends on the amount consumed and the concentration of capsaicin, the active chemical compound that gives them their pungent flavor.
Dr. Prévost Jantchou, pediatric gastroenterologist at CHU Sainte-Justine and researcher, first distinguishes between two types of use. “There is reasonable consumption and very concentrated consumption of products often sold for challenges.”
The effects of capsaicin
Ingestion of capsaicin can cause a series of cascading reactions: hot flashes, adrenaline rush, increased heartbeat, sweating, watery eyes, runny nose and fever.
In some people, the movements of the digestive system can accelerate and cause vomiting and diarrhea. In more serious cases, consuming hot peppers can cause difficulty breathing and fainting.
“These reactions will vary depending on the type of pepper and the quantity ingested. In addition, tolerance varies from person to person, so everyone will react differently to consuming the same type of pepper,” explains Dr. Jantchou.
Eating chili peppers also produces long-term effects. “Data shows that regular consumption of large quantities of chili peppers is not benign. We see associations with Alzheimer’s, hypertension problems and cancer risks. A study published in May 2023 in the journal Scientific Reports concluded that there was a link between the consumption of chili peppers and cognitive decline. This association would be worsened by the lack of physical activity.
Avoid water to calm the pepper fire
Finally, be aware that if your tongue burns after you eat a hot pepper, drinking water will prove ineffective. In fact, capsaicin does not dissolve in this liquid, but rather in products rich in fat. “The latter, like milk, will further soothe the burning sensation,” emphasizes Dr. Jantchou. If you don’t have milk on hand, you can have butter, yogurt or ice cream.
You have questions in the field of health, food or well-being, send them to [email protected], a journalist will answer them, along with experts in the field.
The Information Coops are proud to team up with Verdict santé, the new media dedicated to health and food from Éditions Protégez-vous, in order to offer you content every Tuesday that will help you take care of your health and well-being -be in hand on a daily basis. Discover more content on the website Health verdict.
