Question: Why do chillies burn even through they’re cold?

Shikha Sharma answered on 10 Nov 2014:

Hi Aleenjcat,
It is not the chilies that actually burn, rather a compound called capsaicin present in the chilies which causes the heat that we experience while eating them. Capsaicin binds to the receptors (TRPV1) present on our tongue. These tongue receptors are basically responsible for detection of body temperature and will start a sensation of heat and pain when activated. These receptors are also present in other parts of body, such as eyes and nose that’s why eating chilies not only result in burning sensation in mouth but in nose and eyes as well. The more capsaicin in the pepper, the hotter it is.
You know the actual flesh of pepper contain less capsaicin than the white membranes inside a pepper. There is no capsaicin in the seeds.
Interesting part is all human beings are sensitive to capsaicin but birds are resistant to its effects. That’s why parrots they love chilies 🙂
As we all know drinking water to nullify the burning sensation is not a good idea. I would suggest a sip of cold milk is a good way of reducing the feeling capsaicin as it contains casein, a protein that pushes capsaicin away from receptors and binds to them in its place.
Though it causes burning sensation but still it is used for medical conditions such as arthritis pain, neuropathic pain, dermatologic conditions, even skin conditions.