Bailey Farms, Inc.

Chile peppers have received a bad reputation for causing damage to the lining of the stomach. Despite this reputation, medical evidence has proven repeatedly that capsaicin (the substance that makes peppers hot) does not harm the stomach lining.

Perhaps, the most convincing study proving this fact was done by a team of doctors led by Dr. David Graham at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX. In this study they inserted a video endoscope, (a miniature internal camera) into the stomach to inspect it visually, while inserting a series of test items into the stomach. They used bland food, plain aspirin, hot Mexican food, and pizza and then inspected the stomach for "gastric erosions" on the stomach lining. By far the most damaging meal was the bland one combined with aspirin.

To further test just capsaicin alone, the doctors injected thirty grams of Jalapenos directly into the stomach lining and there was no visible damage. According to Dr. Graham, "We conclude that although capsaicin increased gastric acid secretion in the stomach and causes discomfort, it does not appear to cause stomach lining damage."

In addition, some gastroenterologists suggest that capsaicin increases the stomach’s production of protective juices thus protecting the stomach from damage that may be caused by other things such as aspirin or alcohol.

<< Back | Next >>

About Us | Chile Facts | Products | Recipes | Home