27.12.2025 17:50
The President of the Antalya Branch of the Chamber of Food Engineers, Ali Manavoğlu, warned that excessive consumption of hot peppers should be avoided. Manavoğlu stated, "Capsaicin, which is found in hot peppers, is an effective substance. When we consume hot peppers, signals are sent to the receptors in both our mouth and stomach. When consumed excessively, these receptors can lead to increased stress, irritability, and even anxiety at more advanced levels."
In Turkish cuisine, spicy peppers, especially kebabs and lahmacun, are commonly found on tables due to their use in various dishes. For some, the taste is enjoyed, while it draws attention with its benefits and the harms that arise if the dosage is exceeded.
"WE HAVE REGULAR CUSTOMERS"
Due to the spicy taste it leaves on the palate, spicy peppers are among the most preferred products at markets and greengrocers. Şafak Çaylak, who runs a greengrocery, said, "We have regular customers who buy it continuously. They also say that spicy peppers make them happy. Those who enjoy consuming spicy peppers buy them frequently."
"STRESS MECHANISM IS ACTIVATED"
Ali Manavoğlu, President of the Chamber of Food Engineers Antalya Branch, also pointed out that excessive consumption of spicy peppers can lead to various disorders. Manavoğlu stated, "If we consume spicy peppers in a sufficient and balanced way, they have very positive effects both physically and psychologically. However, as with everything, excessive consumption of spicy peppers can unfortunately lead to negative traumas in the body and psychologically. Capsaicin, which is an effective substance found in spicy peppers, sends signals to the receptors in our mouth and stomach when we consume them. A stress mechanism is activated along with this pain. Here, the brain releases certain hormones in response to the stimuli. Especially hormones that provide us with happiness, such as dopamine and endorphin, come into play. This actually causes the release of a hormone that allows us to feel a short-term sense of happiness and puts us in that mood. However, when we consume it excessively, the receptors here can lead to more stress, irritability, and even situations that progress to anxiety."