eli5 why do we enjoy spicy food?
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As far as I know, this isn’t well understood. It’s very likely and speculated that it’s just the adrenaline rush or “extra dimension” of flavor that spice adds.
Capsaicin is what makes foods spicy. Capsaicin causes pain and triggers the body to think it’s in danger. In response, the body releases endorphins, which are pleasure causing hormones, this is the body’s way of trying to eliminate the “threat” it feels when you eat spicy food.
Basically hot food makes your brain dump the feel good juice.
Spice (capsaicin) -> pain -> endorphin release
Endorphins are the body’s natural painkillers. An endorphin rush is the same feel-good state you get after strenuous exercise.
Or eat spicy food and get the same feel-goods without having to exercise or sustain any actual damage. Win!
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