Capsaicin can be washed away by the casein protein found in milk. Because capsaicin is fat-soluble, washing with milk fat can help to alleviate the burning sensation.

Chilli peppers contain capsaicin, which is an oily chemical component. A burning sensation is caused by capsaicin reacting to a receptor in the tongue.

You’ve probably bitten off way more than you can handle at least once when it comes to spicy dishes, whether purposefully or unintentionally.

So, how can you help your mouth settle down after eating spicy food? Or did your fate rely on the very first slice?

Knowing what causes the burn will help you know what to grab and what to resist as soon as the burn begins.

Why Does Milk Help With Spice?

Since milk contains a lot of fat and protein, and capsaicin is fat-soluble, it helps with spice. This implies that fats and oils would be able to alleviate the stinging sensation, while casein, a protein found in milk, will work as a soothing agent.

This means milk may not be the only drink or meal that can help you deal with spicy foods. Yes, you probably have other things around the house that will work as well.

Is It True That All Dairy Milk Helps With Spice?

All mammal milk will aid in the digestion of spices. This is since it is not only the fats that help but also the protein. When you break down the whey, the protein and fat travel in a small amount of water present in milk. However, it is only a tiny amount.

So any dairy milk will serve when it comes to spice.

Is It True That Plant or Nut Milk Can Help To Lessen Spiciness?

Not nearly as much. Thinner, lower-fat, and lower-protein plant or nut milk, for example, won’t help significantly. This is because the water content is considerably higher than that in dairy milk, and the fat and protein composition is insufficient to cover all of the capsaicin.

Other Quick Remedies

Yogurt, cream, cheese, and sour cream are good alternatives:

If you do not have milk on hand, any dairy product with fat and casein will suffice. To neutralize spiciness, yogurt, cream, cottage cheese, cream cheese, and even sour cream are all excellent choices.

Even a slice of mozzarella will go a long way.

Acidic Food

Anything acidic could be consumed. Don’t worry if you can’t or do not want to consume dairy. You also have acidic foods as an option.

Capsaicin is an alkaline molecule. It can be neutralized by balancing with an acid. This includes consuming acidic liquids or foods. Lemonade, limeade, orange juice, or any tomato-based meal or drink can also help you calm away your mouth.

Carbs to the Rescue

Eat some carbohydrates. Starches are fulfilling for a variety of reasons, one being that they usually have a huge physical content.

When eating spicy meals, the volume provided by a starchy dish can function as a protective border between the capsaicin and your mouth, which can be beneficial.

Try to eat a slice of bread, rice, or a tortilla to place little starch between this molecule and your pain receptors.

What Won’t Help in Calming Down the Spice?

Water

Whenever the spice kicks in, don’t go for water. Water, as strange as it seems, isn’t going to help you. What is the logic behind this? Because capsaicin isn’t water-soluble, it can’t be wiped away by water. 

Only a few seconds of relief relates to the fact that perhaps the water is colder than your tongue.

Alcohol

Capsaicin can be broken down by alcohol, as it turns out. However, most beers are essentially ineffectual against pepper-induced discomfort since they are predominantly made of water and contain just approximately 5% alcohol.

In large doses, stronger alcohol may be beneficial, but excessive drinking is not recommended. It’s best if you stay with milk.

Is Spicy Food Beneficial to Your Health?

Capsaicin, the chemical that gives chili peppers their spiciness, is the subject of a lot of spicy food studies. Capsaicin enhances the body’s ability to break down fat and burn more energy, according to some of the studies.

It significantly increases fat-burning systems in the body. This can assist in weight loss and management.

Spices like chilies and other spices might make you hungry. There’s some evidence that capsaicin impacts the hypothalamus. It refers to the brain region that regulates hunger and fullness. If you add extra spice to your meal, you may feel satisfied sooner.

People who consume a spicy-rich diet consume less food in general throughout the day.

To someone with a hypersensitive stomach, spicy foods may appear to be a poor decision. Capsaicin, on the other hand, is helpful to your gut microbiome.

The microbiome is a microbial community that is essential for immune function and other factors of health. Capsaicin has been shown to promote a healthy gut flora and improve digestion.

Inflammation may be reduced by eating spicy foods. Capsaicin has been shown to help fight low-grade inflammation in the stomach, which is being associated with obesity.

Capsaicin’s anti-inflammation properties go beyond the stomach. Capsaicin cream, accessible over-the-counter, can be used to treat a variety of pains, including arthritis and fibromyalgia.

Preventing Problems Caused by Spicy Foods

The easiest method to avoid the problems that come with spicy foods is to avoid them entirely. However, if you appreciate the flavor and perhaps the burn, consider the following precautions:

When chopping peppers, use gloves to protect your hands and prevent contacting your skin, particularly around your eyes.

Remove your gloves after cooking peppers and clean them carefully with soap.

Bottom Line

Drink a glass of milk when a meal sets your mouth on fire. If you can’t find any milk, you can use the other options mentioned in our article.

Chilli peppers can be useful for more than just spicing up bland food, according to a study. Spicy food continues to get better, with potential health benefits such as weight loss and inflammation reduction.

Make sure you have something other than water to drink with it, though.