Spicy foods have been a part of human cuisine for thousands of years. While some can handle the heat, others struggle to enjoy the food because of the intense burn.
Fortunately, there are plenty of foods that can calm down the flames and make your spicy meal a lot more enjoyable. In this article, we will discuss the top foods to ease the burn of spicy dishes.
Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt is one of the best foods to ease the burn of spicy dishes. The cold and creamy texture of Greek yogurt helps soothe the heat of spicy food by neutralizing the capsaicin, which is the compound that gives peppers their spicy flavor.
Additionally, Greek yogurt is packed with calcium and protein and is a perfect snack to balance out the spice in your meal.
Bananas
Bananas are another excellent food that can help ease the burn of spicy dishes. The fruit contains potassium, which helps regulate the body’s fluid balance and thus helps soothe the burning sensation caused by capsaicin.
Additionally, the sugars in bananas will help neutralize the spicy taste, making it a perfect snack to accompany a spicy dish.
Rice
Rice is an excellent accompaniment to spicy dishes because it will absorb the excess heat of the spices. The bland taste will balance out the heat of the food, making it more palatable.
Additionally, rice is a filling carbohydrate and will help regulate digestion, making it a perfect side dish to a spicy meal.
Milk
If you’re looking for a quick way to ease the burn of spicy food, milk is your best bet. The fats in milk will help alleviate the burning sensation, making it the perfect drink to accompany a spicier meal.
Additionally, milk contains calcium and protein, making it a filling and healthy drink.
Avocado
Avocado is another perfect food to ease the burn of spicy dishes. The healthy fats in avocados can help to reduce inflammation and soothe the burning sensation caused by capsaicin.
Additionally, avocado’s creamy texture will balance out the spiciness in your meal and make it more enjoyable.
Coconut Milk
Coconut milk is another excellent food to ease the burn of spicy dishes. The high-fat content in coconut milk helps to neutralize the capsaicin in spicy food, reducing the heat of the dish.
Additionally, coconut milk is packed with vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy and tasty alternative to regular milk.
Cucumber
Cucumber is a refreshing food that can help ease the burn of spicy dishes. The high-water content in cucumbers will help flush out the capsaicin from your mouth, reducing the burning sensation.
Additionally, cucumbers are low in calories and high in nutrients, making them a perfect snack to accompany a spicy meal.
Honey
If you’re looking for a natural sweetener to accompany your spicy dish, honey is your best bet. The sweet taste of honey will balance out the spice in your meal, making it more palatable.
Additionally, honey has been shown to reduce inflammation in the body, making it a healthy alternative to sugar.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is an acidic food that can help ease the burn of spicy dishes. The high acidity in lemon juice will help break down the capsaicin, reducing the heat of the dish.
Additionally, lemon juice is packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, making it a healthy and refreshing drink to accompany a spicy meal.
Ice Cream
For those looking for a sweet treat to cool down the heat of spicy dishes, ice cream is a perfect snack.
The cold temperature of ice cream will help soothe the burning sensation caused by capsaicin, making it the perfect dessert to accompany your spicy meal. Additionally, ice cream is packed with calcium and can help promote good health when consumed in moderation.