Colourless organic compound (alkaloid) in plants such as peppers (chilli, hot peppers). It has an antibacterial and fungicidal effect and thus has a preservative effect. Capsaicinoids only exert a heat or pungency stimulus in mammals by acting on specific receptors in the mouth. This is not a pure taste sensation, but a trigeminal pain sensation. Capsaicin has a relaxing effect on the blood vessels and lowers blood pressure. The substance piperine contained in pepper has a similar effect. Both substances are often present in red wines and are responsible for the sensations of hot, spicy and peppery.
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Thorsten Rahn
Restaurantleiter, Sommelier, Weindozent und Autor; Dresden