Have you ever taken a bite of food seasoned with black pepper and felt a sudden burning sensation in your mouth?
You’re not alone.
Black pepper is a common spice used in many dishes, but what exactly causes that fiery feeling?
It turns out that black pepper contains a specific phytochemical called piperine that interacts with the temperature regulating receptors in your mouth.
This is what gives black pepper its signature heat, similar to the capsaicin found in chili peppers.
But why do we enjoy this sensation? And how does it affect our bodies?
In this article, we’ll explore the science behind why black pepper burns your mouth and what it means for our taste buds and overall health.
Why Does Black Pepper Burn Your Mouth?
As mentioned earlier, black pepper contains piperine, a phytochemical that interacts with the temperature regulating receptors in your mouth. When you eat black pepper, the piperine binds to these receptors and causes them to send a signal to your brain that your mouth is experiencing heat.
This sensation is similar to the burning feeling you get from eating spicy foods like chili peppers, which contain capsaicin. However, unlike capsaicin, piperine does not directly activate pain receptors in your mouth. Instead, it interacts with the temperature receptors, which can cause a burning sensation but without the pain.
Interestingly, our bodies have a common chemical sense that allows us to detect sensations like heat, cold, and pain. This sense is not related to our taste buds but rather to nerve endings that are present throughout our bodies. When we eat spicy foods or black pepper, these nerve endings are activated and send signals to our brain that we interpret as heat or pain.
The Science Behind Black Pepper’s Heat
Piperine, the active compound in black pepper, has been found to interact with a specific type of receptor in our mouth called TRPV1. These receptors are responsible for detecting temperature changes in our environment and sending signals to our brain to interpret these changes as hot or cold.
When piperine binds to these receptors, it causes them to send a signal to the brain that the mouth is experiencing heat, which can result in a burning sensation. However, unlike capsaicin found in chili peppers, piperine does not directly activate pain receptors in the mouth. Instead, it interacts with the temperature receptors, which can cause a burning sensation but without the pain.
It is important to note that the level of spiciness or hotness of black pepper is relative and depends on people’s tolerance levels. While science says that black pepper’s hotness is mild, some people may experience a stronger burning sensation due to their individual sensitivity to piperine.
Piperine: The Key Component In Black Pepper
Piperine is the key component in black pepper that gives it its spiciness and hotness. It is a type of alkaloid that is found in the outer layer of the peppercorn. Piperine is responsible for the pungent taste and aroma of black pepper and is also what makes it a popular spice in many cuisines.
Aside from its role in making black pepper spicy, piperine also has several health benefits. Studies have shown that piperine has antioxidant properties that can help fight free radicals and improve digestion. It may also help the body absorb beneficial compounds and improve the effectiveness of certain medications.
However, it is important to note that consuming too much black pepper or piperine can have negative effects on your health. Some studies have shown that piperine can cause damage to the gastric mucosa and result in digestive problems. It may also interact with certain medications, including diabetes medications, and cause blood sugar levels to drop too low.
How Piperine Interacts With Temperature Receptors In The Mouth
Piperine interacts with the temperature receptors in the mouth by binding to them and causing them to send a signal to the brain that there is a temperature change. These receptors are called thermoreceptors and are responsible for detecting changes in temperature. When piperine binds to these receptors, it creates a sensation of heat or warmth in the mouth.
Unlike capsaicin, which directly activates pain receptors in the mouth, piperine only interacts with the temperature receptors. This interaction can cause a burning sensation but without the pain. The burning sensation from piperine is relative and depends on the individual’s tolerance, mouth condition, and sensitivity.
It is important to note that some people may have an allergic reaction to piperine or have some mouth sores, which can make the burning sensation from black pepper more extreme. Additionally, building up a tolerance to eating hot foods can desensitize the pain receptors in the tongue and mouth, allowing individuals to eat increasingly hotter foods. However, if an individual has not built up a tolerance for hot peppers, their body may mount an inflammatory response, causing their throat to swell and making it difficult to breathe. It may also damage their intestinal tract.
The Similarities Between Black Pepper And Chili Peppers
Black pepper and chili peppers share some similarities in terms of the chemical compounds that cause them to be spicy. Both contain phytochemicals that interact with the temperature receptors in our mouths, causing a burning sensation. Piperine, found in black pepper, is similar to capsaicin, found in chili peppers, in that they both activate these receptors.
However, there are also some differences between black pepper and chili peppers. For example, capsaicin directly activates pain receptors in our mouths, while piperine does not. Additionally, the spiciness of black pepper is generally considered to be milder than that of chili peppers, although this can vary depending on an individual’s tolerance level.
Why Do We Enjoy The Burning Sensation Of Black Pepper?
Many people enjoy the burning sensation of black pepper, despite it not being a spicy food like chili peppers. One theory is that we enjoy the sensation because it triggers a mild defense response in us, similar to the thrill-seeking behavior exhibited by bungee jumping or roller coasters. The thrill of feeling alive and rejuvenated may be why some people enjoy the burning sensation of black pepper.
Another theory is that the burning sensation of black pepper may enhance the flavor of food. When we eat foods that contain piperine, such as black pepper, it can stimulate our taste buds and enhance the flavor of the food. This may be why some people prefer to add black pepper to their meals even if it causes a slight burning sensation.
The Health Benefits Of Consuming Black Pepper
Apart from its zingy flavor, black pepper is also known for its numerous health benefits. One of the most significant health benefits of consuming black pepper is its ability to aid in digestion. Black pepper stimulates the release of enzymes in your pancreas and intestines that help digest fat and carbs. This makes it useful for those with poor digestion and diarrhea.
Black pepper also has antioxidant properties due to the presence of piperine, which is a key compound in black pepper. Studies have shown that piperine has antioxidant properties in rats, although more research is needed to confirm this in humans.
In addition, black pepper may help prevent the growth of fat cells, making it useful for weight loss. BioPerine, an extract of black pepper, inhibits new fat cell formation, which means your body can utilize the calories from food rather than storing them as fat cells.
Furthermore, black pepper is believed to prevent cancer as it detoxifies the body, cleanses the intestine and stomach. It also releases hydrochloric acid in the stomach, which helps in cleaning the intestines and preventing constipation. Additionally, it is used to combat skin exfoliation, skin deformation and helps to keep wrinkles at bay. It is even used to combat dandruff, helps in restoring hair growth and makes the hair shiny.
Although black pepper has numerous health benefits, it’s important to consume it in moderation. Eating too much black pepper can cause stomach irritation and gastrointestinal side effects comparable to those caused by aspirin. Additionally, studies have shown that black pepper may cause gastric mucosal injury and can leave a sharp burning aftertaste if consumed in excess.
