Why do some of us enjoy spicy food more than others? Let’s examine the psychology involved.

According to Dr. Rohan Kumar, a consultant psychiatrist at Regency Hospital, there are various psychological factors that contribute to a person’s preference for spicy cuisine, with stress alleviation ranking as the primary one.

Adventure sports are what some of us live for. While some people enjoy paragliding or scuba diving, only a select handful participate in the ultimate adventure sport—eating delicacies that literally set their mouths on fire while others cheer them on. When did we get this painful preference for spices?

Scientists don’t have an answer to that. They’re not even sure when peppers began to have capsaicin in their composition, the compound accredited with the so-called spice as it triggers your pain receptors. Though we do understand why spicy foods appeal to us.

According to Dr Rohan Kumar, consultant psychiatrist, Regency Hospital, there are several psychological reasons why someone likes spicy foods — the foremost being stress relief.

“The release of endorphins triggered by spicy foods creates a sense of euphoria and relaxation, which may be comforting during periods of stress or anxiety,” he said.

The heat and pungency of spices trigger nerve receptors in the mouth, which can release endorphins and produce that sensation of exhilaration or pleasure, according to Dr. Shuchin Bajaj, general practitioner and director of the Ujala Cygnus Group of Hospitals.

He continued by saying that people have an inbuilt predisposition for a varied diet. “Spicy foods provide a contrast to the traditional flavors, enhancing meals with freshness and excitement. Those who prefer tasting new foods may be tempted to hotter selections for the excitement of doing so, he said.

Food preferences are significantly influenced by social and cultural factors as well. Someone is more likely to acquire a taste for and an appreciation for spicy cuisine if they are raised in a culture where eating spicy food is normal and even celebrated.

Capsaicin is the chemical responsible for this psychological attraction to hot food. Endorphins, which are biologically active painkillers and mood-enhancing substances, are released in the brain as a result of capsaicin.