Spicy food has always been a topic of debate in the food world. People either love spicy food or they tend to stay away from it. It all boils down to how your body reacts to the heat of the spices.

Have you ever wondered why some people can handle the heat and others can’t? Well, it may all come down to a tiny part of your mouth.

Capsaicin and the TRPV1 receptor

The spicy sensation that comes from consuming spicy food is caused by a molecule called capsaicin.

When you eat something spicy, the capsaicin molecules bind with a protein receptor called TRPV1, which is found on certain nerve cells throughout your body. This sends a signal to your brain that you’ve eaten something spicy.

The TRPV1 receptor is located in various parts of your body, including your tongue, esophagus, and stomach. When you eat something spicy, the capsaicin molecules bind with the TRPV1 receptors in your mouth, which is why you feel the heat in that area.

However, the number of TRPV1 receptors can vary from person to person, leading to differences in individual response to spicy food.

The tongue

The tongue is the most notable location for detecting the heat of spicy food. Different parts of your tongue can also detect different tastes, such as sweet, sour, salty, and bitter.

However, there isn’t necessarily one specific area of your tongue that determines your sensitivity to spicy food.

However, recent studies have shown that people who have more taste buds on their tongues may be more sensitive to the heat of spicy food. The reason for this is because the TRPV1 receptors are located on taste buds.

So, if you have more taste buds, you may have more TRPV1 receptors, making you more sensitive to spicy food.

The palate

The palate is located on the roof of your mouth and is also involved in detecting taste. However, it’s not just about taste, the palate is also involved in detecting temperature.

When you eat something hot, like soup or tea, you can feel the heat on the roof of your mouth. The palate has a high density of TRPV1 receptors, which means it’s very sensitive to the heat of spicy food. If you feel the heat of spicy food on the roof of your mouth, it’s a sign that you’re sensitive to spicy food.

The lips

Believe it or not, your lips can also play a role in detecting spicy food. Your lips are also covered with TRPV1 receptors, which means they can detect the heat of spicy food.

So, if eating something spicy leaves your lips feeling hot and tingly, it’s a sign that you’re sensitive to spicy food.

The nose

Your nose can also detect the heat of spicy food. When you eat something spicy, the capsaicin molecules can activate the TRPV1 receptors in your nasal cavity, which can lead to an intense burning sensation.

This is why eating something spicy can make your nose run. If you find yourself sneezing or coughing while eating spicy food, it’s a sign that you’re sensitive to the heat of the spices.

The cheeks

The cheeks are the least likely place to detect the heat of spicy food because they have fewer TRPV1 receptors.

However, if you feel a burning sensation or heat on your cheeks while eating something spicy, it’s a sign that you may have a higher sensitivity to the heat of the spices.

The ultimate test

If you’re unsure about your sensitivity to spicy food, there’s one ultimate test you can try. Take a small piece of chili pepper and place it on your tongue, just behind the tip.

This area is known to have the highest density of taste buds and TRPV1 receptors. If you feel an intense burning sensation, it’s a sign that you’re very sensitive to spicy food.

Conclusion

Spicy food can be a polarizing topic, but it all comes down to how your body reacts to the heat of the spices. The number of TRPV1 receptors in your mouth can vary from person to person, leading to differences in individual response to spicy food.

While there isn’t necessarily one specific area of your mouth that determines your sensitivity to spicy food, the tongue, palate, lips, and nose all play a role in detecting the heat of the spices. So, whether you love spicy food or can’t handle the heat, you can now understand why.