What Chili Really Does to Your Body | With Pain Scientist Lars Arendt

What really happens in your body when you eat a hot chili? Why does it burn, and could capsaicin actually have health benefits? In this episode, I’m joined by pain scientist Lars Arendt for a fascinating conversation about the science behind chili peppers. We explore the TRPV1 pain receptor, why chili tricks your brain into feeling heat, how capsaicin has contributed to breakthrough pain research, and why it is used today to treat chronic nerve pain. And of course, we finish the conversation by eating a hot chili together. If you're curious about chili, pain, neuroscience, or simply love spicy food, this episode is for you. Topics include: • Capsaicin and the TRPV1 receptor • Why chili feels hot • The 2021 Nobel Prize and pain research • Chili and chronic nerve pain • Can you build a tolerance to spicy food? • We eat a hot chili together Subscribe for more videos about chili, science, food, and unforgettable experiences.