Does Cayenne Pepper and Spicy Food Actually Warm You Up?

It's going to be brutally cold in Minnesota for the next week or so. Time to pull out those fuzzy socks, space heaters, and extra layers! It's also time for some spicy food.

Yesterday I was watching the Bears vs. Rams NFL game. They were playing outside in Chicago, and it was around 13 degrees during the game. At the beginning of the game, one of the reporters was talking about how different players are staying warm with special attire, and that some even put cayenne pepper in their shoes.

Yes, the cayenne pepper you have sitting on your spice rack at home.

So I needed to know: Does that actually work? And not only does just putting it in your shoes work, but does eating cayenne pepper warm you up, too?

ALSO READ: Minnesotans No Longer Need to Brace for Wind Chill Alerts

Does Spicy Food Actually Warm You Up?

As we all know, when you eat spicy food, you definitely feel warm. But is that actually warming you up, or is it just because you're sweating from the spice?

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The reason you feel warm from eating, specifically, cayenne pepper, is because it contains capsaicin. That's what causes the burning or warm feeling. You'll get that same burning/warm feeling if it's on your skin.

But does it actually warm you up? No.

So basically, cayenne pepper and other spicy foods trick your brain into thinking you're warm. It might feel nice for a little while, but it won't solve the actual problem, which is that you're cold.

If your feet are cold, you're better off wearing thicker socks or throwing some hot packs in your shoes. Although spicy food always tastes better when it's super cold out.