Spicy food can be challenging for many people. The chemical capsaicin causes an overwhelming stimulation when ingested. For beginners, the best way to build up a tolerance to spicy food is to start with low levels. You can also use coolants in your dish to get instant relief when the dish gets too spicy. Here are some ways in which you can enjoy spicy food.
Making your own spice blends
Building spice blends is an easy process that will give you endless flavors and is a great way to get creative in the kitchen. You can build blends for ethnic food or use them in everyday fare, including soups, stuffings, and popcorn. You can also use these blends as a base for drinks and cocktails.
Using your own blends will not only enhance the taste of your food, but they will also help you reduce sodium. Since you can control the amount of spice in each blend, you can adjust the spice to your taste. For example, you may find that you prefer a blend that is hotter than the store-bought kind.
To make your own spice blend, you will need some basic spices. You can purchase these in bulk to save money and time. A spice funnel helps transfer the mix into the spice jar. Make sure to use whole leaves of the herbs in the blend. Powdered herbs will not work.
Getting used to capsaicin
It can be difficult to get used to capsaicin in spicy food, but you can take a few steps to help your body adjust. The first step is to eat less spicy food and increase the amount slowly. Your body will gradually get used to the extra heat, and you will be able to tolerate it more easily.
Another step to take is to drink water after eating spicy food.
This will help you avoid bloating and discomfort. You can also start to get used to spicy food by eating it regularly. This will change how your body responds to capsaicin and make you less sensitive to it.
The level of tolerance you feel towards spicy food is largely determined by your upbringing. Some people are born with a higher tolerance than others. Similarly, there are people with a greater built-in tolerance for capsaicin than those with low tolerances. Check out this site to know more.
Managing heartburn from spicy food
You're not alone if you're trying to cope with heartburn caused by spicy foods. The burning sensation in your chest may keep you up at night. It can also cause a persistent sore throat and hoarseness. If you experience these symptoms regularly, you may want to consult a gastroenterologist to find a treatment.
The compound capsaicin in spicy foods causes reflux by slowing down digestion. It also acts as an irritant in the esophagus and increases the risk of heartburn. Capsaicin also activates the P receptors in the oesophagus, transmitting pain and burning sensations.
A recent study in South Korea found that spicy foods were a major cause of heartburn. Also, the researchers found that eating too quickly and after feeling full exacerbated the symptoms. Although several dietary recommendations can help manage heartburn caused by spicy foods, it is important to remember that there is no magic cure.
Choosing a spice that suits your palate
The first step to enjoying spicy food is to learn what spices you like best. Different spices have different properties and will interact differently with different foods. To avoid overusing spices, add only a small amount at a time and taste your food regularly to see how you like the taste. Then add more, if needed. If you're a beginner, start with a one-half teaspoon and work your way up. If you love spicy food, add more until the taste is right for you.
Spices that are high in acidity can be overpowered by strong foods like vinegar, pickles, and sauerkraut. You'll want to pair spicy dishes with lower-acid wines, which counteract the spicy flavor of cayenne peppers. Also, wines with a high fruit content can be great for spicy foods. Spices can enhance the flavor of desserts, too. Try experimenting with new spice-infused sweets to find out which ones work best with your taste.
