Yes, plant milk can help reduce the oral burn from spice.
Understanding Spice Burn
The burning sensation experienced when eating spicy food is primarily caused by a compound called capsaicin. Capsaicin binds to pain receptors in your mouth, tricking your brain into thinking you are experiencing heat. To find relief, you need something that can effectively interact with capsaicin.
How Plant Milk Provides Relief
While fatty substances are often cited as helpful, the relief isn't solely due to fat. Research indicates that proteins in dairy and plant milks contribute to the reduction of oral burn from capsaicin. This means that the proteins present in plant-based milk alternatives, similar to those in dairy milk, can help neutralize or wash away the capsaicin, lessening the burning sensation.
Why Proteins Matter
- Binding: Proteins can bind to capsaicin molecules. This binding prevents the capsaicin from attaching to the pain receptors in your mouth.
- Washing Away: Liquids, especially those with proteins, can help physically wash away the capsaicin from the receptors and dilute its concentration.
Examples of Plant Milks
Many popular plant milk varieties contain protein and can offer relief:
- Soy Milk
- Almond Milk
- Oat Milk
- Cashew Milk
The effectiveness might vary slightly depending on the protein content and composition of the specific type of plant milk.
Comparing Relief Options
While water might offer temporary dilution, it doesn't effectively interact with capsaicin, which is not water-soluble. Fat helps, but proteins play a significant role too, making milks (both dairy and plant-based) effective choices for spice relief.
| Relief Method | Primary Mechanism | Effectiveness on Capsaicin |
|---|---|---|
| Water | Dilution, Washing | Limited |
| Oils/Fats | Dissolves Capsaicin | Good |
| Milk (Dairy) | Proteins bind to capsaicin, Fat | Very Good |
| Milk (Plant) | Proteins bind to capsaicin, (Fat) | Good to Very Good |
Based on the research highlighting the role of proteins, reaching for a glass of plant milk when your mouth is on fire can provide welcome relief.
