Antimicrobial functions of spices: why some like it hot.

J Billing, P W Sherman

March 1998 Q Rev Biol

Synopsis of Social media discussions

The sampling of discussions demonstrates a strong interest in the antimicrobial and cultural reasons for spicy food consumption, with comments referencing scientific studies, evolutionary explanations, and personal preferences. The tone varies from curiosity and support to playful skepticism, reflecting both engagement with the science and cultural debate surrounding spice use.

A
Agreement
 Moderate agreement

Most discussions support the idea that spices have antimicrobial benefits and are linked to cultural adaptations, showing general agreement with the article.

I
Interest
 High level of interest

The widespread curiosity about the science behind spicy food and its health implications indicates high interest among participants.

E
Engagement
 Moderate level of engagement

Several comments reference scientific studies, cultural behaviors, and personal experiences, suggesting thoughtful engagement.

I
Impact
 Moderate level of impact

The discussions highlight the relevance of the scientific findings to everyday life and food culture, implying a moderate but meaningful impact.

Social Mentions

YouTube

2 Videos

Bluesky

2 Posts

Twitter

43 Posts

Blogs

4 Articles

News

16 Articles

Metrics

Video Views

904,059

Total Likes

24,121

Extended Reach

1,019,504

Social Features

67

Timeline: Posts about article

Top Social Media Posts

Posts referencing the article

Science Explains Why Spicy Food Is Enjoyed Across Cultures

Science Explains Why Spicy Food Is Enjoyed Across Cultures

Science explains why some people seem to like their food crazy hot. The use of spicy spices is linked to antimicrobial properties that help prevent food spoilage, especially in warmer climates where such properties offer health benefits.

Adam Ragusea

October 8, 2019

903,099 views

Science of Spicy Foods and Personality Traits Influencing Preference

Science of Spicy Foods and Personality Traits Influencing Preference

This video explores the science behind spicy foods, their effects on the body, and how personality traits like sensation seeking and reward sensitivity influence the enjoyment and consumption of spicy foods, beyond just sensory perception.

Demystifying Medicine McMaster

December 2, 2019

960 views

  • Raymond Hames (@rayhames.bsky.social)
    @HamesRaymond (Twitter)

    @cremieuxrecueil It all started with this Billing, J. & Sherman, P. W. Antimicrobial functions of spices: why some like it hot. Q. Rev. Biol. 73, 3–49 (1998). I think we need better measures to test the proposition.
    view full post

    October 2, 2025


  • @lajong11.bsky.social (Bluesky)

    https://youtube.com/watch?v=vX8ri6fHfps&si=mt9BTxnaUNk8e26l news-nest.com/2025/06/05/e...
    view full post

    June 5, 2025

  • John Cicero
    @JOHN54379832 (Twitter)

    @Lorien19731 @HankRearden_37 @rawkitlauncher @GarbageHuman24 Not just salt, basically all spices have antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. https://t.co/Hdy2kmfEoV
    view full post

    September 1, 2024

    1

  • National Security Counselors
    @nationalsecuritylaw.org (Bluesky)

    pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9586227/
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    August 14, 2024

    1

    1

  • govind
    @gov1ndg (Twitter)

    https://t.co/6TPFKoi3b9
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    June 2, 2024

  • flare on
    @highrthanthesun (Twitter)

    On spices: "Evolutionary scientists, explain that people in warmer climates tend to have spicier cuisines, partly because spices offer antimicrobial protection against foodborne pathogens, which are more likely to be present in warmer climates." Gad Saad https://t.co/pciWOs616Y
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    May 6, 2024


  • @biobak64 (Twitter)

    surtout pour les plats épicés sachant que la tolérance à la capsaïcine est différente pour tout le monde; vous pouvez aimer les épices et comprendre que certaines personnes veulent sentir le goût de la nourriture et pas juste la sensation de brûlure https://t.co/QJRt1lgz5b
    view full post

    December 11, 2023

    3

    1

  • Diana S. Fleischman
    @sentientist (Twitter)

    @razibkhan But food in Europe wasn't spicy before the 17th century, was it? Do you disagree with the antimicrobial hypothesis? https://t.co/W2IJ4FAq8s
    view full post

    April 19, 2023

    1

  • Ritchy_Ingpiece
    @IngpieceRitchy (Twitter)

    @plentyofalcoves At the risk of starting Discourse, everyone's experience of capsaicin is different, and your personal tolerance is not a reason for shame or for pride. https://t.co/6lP3VZaDtD
    view full post

    March 29, 2023

    1

  • Lord Paul
    @lorgrom (Twitter)

    Yeah science https://t.co/U02y1oJ2RG
    view full post

    July 3, 2022

  • Serendipia
    @qvarker (Twitter)

    He descubierto hace poco este canal de YT sobre cocina y ciencia, y me está encantando. Aquí hablan sobre la sensación del picante (y muchas cosas más). https://t.co/hf1OD1LBtd Dueño del canal: @aragusea
    view full post

    July 3, 2022

    1

  • Kelly French
    @kfrench581 (Twitter)

    Eating Spicy Food Doesn't Mean You're Tough, says SCIENCE https://t.co/N9bOr7kwEf via @YouTube
    view full post

    April 8, 2022

    1

  • M. Erim Kadıköy
    @erimkadikoy (Twitter)

    Jennifer ve Paul "Antimicrobial Functions of Spices: Why Some Like it Hot" adlı makalesinde diyor ki, sıcak ülkelerde yaşayan insanlar daha baharatlı mutfaklara sahipler. Bunun davranışsal adaptasyon mekanizmaları ile ilgisi var; https://t.co/hLrCxoT26W
    view full post

    December 4, 2021

  • Henry P. Towsner
    @htowsner (Twitter)

    Both the thread and the article it’s working off of (“Antimicrobial functions of spices: why some like it hot” https://t.co/UAM56vb001) play on that ambiguity: they talk about the former, because that draws on our intuitions, but the data they’re working with is about the latter.
    view full post

    July 15, 2021

  • Étienne
    @etiennefd (Twitter)

    @jonatanpallesen You can read some of the original studies, like this one from 1998 https://t.co/oHqjv7FEy1
    view full post

    July 14, 2021

  • Samuel L
    @MrLGeo (Twitter)

    @C_Poku93 I enjoy a lot of spicy food, just with a level of spice that I enjoy. This video sums up my philosophy on spicy food: https://t.co/Mkl3dpuY9U
    view full post

    June 25, 2021

  • Evelyn Lee Barney
    @elbinfodesign (Twitter)

    For all you chili lovers https://t.co/PzEr9RzPzI
    view full post

    June 20, 2021

  • Improv
    @dachte (Twitter)

    I was wondering if it was just a "common sense" urban legend thing that hot climates have better food because of various properties of spices. Looks like no. https://t.co/lnEIeX2Haq
    view full post

    June 5, 2021

  • Spaghetti
    @MaybeImTheJoke (Twitter)

    @Dyrus This video i just watched says you just eat spicy food until it doesnt feel as spicy as it used to https://t.co/FpvgM8Tidf
    view full post

    April 7, 2021

  • ~Gabo
    @GaboMcGamer (Twitter)


    view full post

    April 6, 2021

  • Antonis Tsagaris
    @antonis_tsagari (Twitter)

    @KatieFujihara On the same note https://t.co/S813uHR0lg
    view full post

    March 11, 2021

  • GigaBoots
    @GigaBoots (Twitter)

    @DrAggro This video is a trip if you have some time. Even the title undersells the copium output. I don't think eat spicy food is intrinsically cool and even I'm sitting here going "come on man.." https://t.co/UtAHL9xka5
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    February 25, 2021

    5

  • AdiGrateles
    @AdiGrateles (Twitter)

    Taken from a random comment on eating spicy food. It is my motivator. https://t.co/GDRrgQxEvz
    view full post

    February 22, 2021

  • فيصل بن فهد العوسي Faisal F. Alousi
    @FaisalOusi (Twitter)

    @AlshammariHamad طيب طيّب بكل تأكيد. مع الاحترام د. حمد ؛ لطالما تطيب وتطبب الناس بشيء من طعامهم كما كانوا يستطعمون من طبهم وطيبهم، بل إن كثيرا من العادات الغذائية أصلها استصلاح ما تيسر جمعه ليكون طعاما طيبا للإنسان. دراسة قديمة: https://t.co/PMLP6RTUEZ دراسة خاصة بالهيل: https://t.co/8xV68XonO7
    view full post

    February 18, 2021

    1

  • Amber Hoffman
    @stoic_76 (Twitter)

    Fascinating. https://t.co/LCAY463g4g
    view full post

    February 6, 2021

    1

  • Lukis
    @LukisYT (Twitter)

    Eating Spicy Food Doesn't Mean You're Tough, says SCIENCE https://t.co/xaprjpjMqx via @YouTube
    view full post

    August 28, 2020

  • Soup
    @LiteralSoup (Twitter)

    https://t.co/sm586qXwLs this video
    view full post

    August 7, 2020

  • Shahab Shahsavari Alavidjeh
    @zzgraph (Twitter)

    هووممم https://t.co/CtXbtRYaGj
    view full post

    August 1, 2020

  • Dia
    @dia_videowl (Twitter)

    @Caaasteeer this video is a fun thing to sent to people who believe that type of thing, easily digestible (hah!) content about it https://t.co/QOP8NRO5Ob
    view full post

    July 20, 2020

    1

  • RaptorClaw
    @RaptorClaw_00 (Twitter)

    @ShieldTanuki @LostGodV2 @truh28632711 @IngmarZergman @thefinalgender @tomoeliker https://t.co/lZimNc9Owu this video explains it really well in the beginning
    view full post

    June 8, 2020

  • Lasegar
    @lasegar_id (Twitter)

    Cabai bermanfaat baik bagi kesehatan tubuh, asal jangan dimakan berlebihan, ya. Berdasarkan jurnal berjudul Antimicrobial Functions of Spices: Why Some Like it Hot tahun 1998, dulu masyarakat memanfaatkan cabai sebagai obat alami antibakteri dan jamur. #LangkahSehatGenerasi #Tips
    view full post

    June 7, 2020

  • Lukis
    @LukisYT (Twitter)

    Eating Spicy Food Doesn't Mean You're Tough, says SCIENCE https://t.co/xaprjpjMqx via @YouTube
    view full post

    May 1, 2020

  • A.P.9.7 / Comms Closed
    @APoetra97 (Twitter)

    @Azura_Cecillia In my understanding : 1. org memang demen 2. makan pedes dianggep sebagai hal jantan (?) padahal ngga (https://t.co/c4wLGdUSTj) 3. Karena sebagian orang punya sifat masochist? dalam artian mereka enjoy melakukan hal yg menyakitkan / makan pedes.
    view full post

    March 26, 2020

  • Andy
    @ChompAtTheTwit (Twitter)

    @KylePlantEmoji Relevant: https://t.co/3C7zE4xOi4
    view full post

    February 16, 2020

    1

  • Spaceman Slog
    @spacemanslog (Twitter)

    Watch: Eating Spicy Food Doesn't Mean You're Tough, says SCIENCE https://t.co/5SbLBPB78O #Youtubevideo
    view full post

    January 25, 2020

  • a215198
    @a215198 (Twitter)

    @SadDadsPodcast Nothing like ruining the fun with science but....https://t.co/1Uf4x3l0RG
    view full post

    October 10, 2019

  • Jill Hendry
    @jill_jhathome (Twitter)

    RT @StevePerryWorld: You have to watch the entire video to find out why I'm posting this here
    view full post

    October 9, 2019

    2

  • NOT STEVE PERRY
    @StevePerryWorld (Twitter)

    You have to watch the entire video to find out why I'm posting this here
    view full post

    October 9, 2019

    31

    2

  • Helene H
    @HeleneH14 (Twitter)

    RT @TasteProf: Shout out to @SensoryPSU alumna Dr. Nadia Byrnes (aka 'Doctor Burns') for her great interview with Adam Ragusea on his 'Man…
    view full post

    October 8, 2019

    2

  • Kamal
    @kamalhm (Twitter)

    I love how @aragusea explains about spicy food tolerances and extends it to toxic masculinity! I'm looking at you, people who order their coffee 'black', but can't actually finish it https://t.co/HIhXSxvfiY
    view full post

    October 8, 2019

  • Alissa Nolden, PhD
    @SensoryFoodSci (Twitter)

    RT @TasteProf: Shout out to @SensoryPSU alumna Dr. Nadia Byrnes (aka 'Doctor Burns') for her great interview with Adam Ragusea on his 'Man…
    view full post

    October 8, 2019

    2

  • ✨Gabby✨
    @GBsPlaceCom (Twitter)

    Eating Spicy Food Doesn't Mean You're Tough, says SCIENCE https://t.co/CJ4NzmTbRb via @YouTube
    view full post

    October 8, 2019

    1

  • Thomas Tan
    @stuntmantan (Twitter)

    Tirumari Jothi, Kevin H Tan, @other heat seekers https://t.co/JqM12wck9V
    view full post

    October 8, 2019

  • John E Hayes
    @TasteProf (Twitter)

    Shout out to @SensoryPSU alumna Dr. Nadia Byrnes (aka 'Doctor Burns') for her great interview with Adam Ragusea on his 'Man in kitchen w/ camera' Youtube channel. Great job Nadia! https://t.co/oUHt7sgZaK #foodscience #eatingbehavior #capsaicin #wearesensory @AgSciResearch
    view full post

    October 8, 2019

    5

    2

  • Kuba
    @KarateKuba (Twitter)

    I know I main post about social Justice and FGC stuff but I'm also a chef! This is a fascinating video about Food Science from @aragusea! https://t.co/0JUdluyYNq I've been watching this guy forever and he makes great recipes and really dives into why we like food!
    view full post

    October 8, 2019

    4

Abstract Synopsis

  • This study analyzed the use of 43 spices across various countries to understand why spices are used in cooking, especially their antimicrobial properties that help prevent food spoilage.
  • The researchers found that warmer countries tend to use more spices, particularly those with strong antibacterial properties, suggesting spices help combat bacteria in unrefrigerated foods.
  • The main reason spices are used ultimately seems to be for health benefits, as they help eliminate pathogens, improving food safety and contributing to overall health and longevity.]