Does sugar reduce the burn of spicy food?

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Peppers contain a fiery element called capsaicin, the active ingredient responsible for their spiciness

Cream Section Separator Why do peppers make your mouth burn? Learn more

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Several theories are circulating about why sugar might have this effect: it could bind with capsaicin, absorb it, dilute it, or create a sensory distraction. However, the question remains—does any of this hold true?

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Is there evidence it really works?

Cream Section Separator There's limited research on the topic, but sugar has been shown to reduce spice in a few ways: when mixed with the spicy substance, sugary drinks to reduce burning mouth, sugar's analgesic effect. Learn more

When it comes to quelling the fire of spiciness, and provided you’re not adhering to a vegan or lactose-intolerant lifestyle, milk tends to wield a more potent effect than sugar.

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Does soda help the spicy sensation?

Cream Section Separator Despite its sugar content, soda’s effervescence appears to render it less proficient in quelling the sensation of mouth burn compared to non-carbonated counterparts such as milk or Kool-Aid. Learn more

While sugar might not be the ultimate solution for extinguishing the fiery aftermath of consuming spicy food, it could offer some modest relief.

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