If you’ve ever indulged in a spicy meal, you know how important it is to have a drink by your side. But what drinks are the best to help cool down the heat? Luckily, there are plenty of options to choose from that will not only quench your thirst but also help tame the flames in your mouth.
From classic choices like milk and beer to surprising options like lemonade and coconut water, we’ll explore the best drinks that can help with spicy food. So, grab a glass and get ready to discover the perfect drink to pair with your next spicy meal.
Drinks that can help with spicy food include milk, yogurt-based drinks like lassi or buttermilk, and citrus-based drinks like lemonade or lime soda. These drinks can provide relief from the burning sensation caused by spicy food. Avoid carbonated or alcoholic beverages as they can worsen the sensation. Additionally, drinking water may provide only temporary relief as it can spread the heat in your mouth.
What Drinks Help with Spicy Food?
Spicy food is a favorite for many people, but it can also cause discomfort and even pain. When the heat from the spices becomes too much to handle, many people reach for a glass of water, but this may not be the best choice. Drinking water can actually make the burning sensation worse. So, what drinks can help with spicy food? Here are some options:
1. Milk
Milk is an excellent choice for cooling down the heat from spicy food. The fat in milk helps to dissolve and remove the capsaicin, the chemical responsible for the heat in spicy food, from your mouth. Milk also helps to create a protective layer on your tongue, which can help to soothe the burning sensation.
For those who are lactose intolerant, almond milk or soy milk can be good alternatives. However, it is important to note that these options may not be as effective as regular milk in reducing the heat from spicy food.
2. Yogurt
Yogurt is another dairy product that can help to cool down the heat from spicy food. The probiotics in yogurt can help to soothe the inflammation caused by capsaicin. Additionally, the creamy texture of yogurt can help to coat your tongue and provide relief from the burning sensation.
For those who do not consume dairy products, coconut yogurt or soy yogurt can be good alternatives. However, it is important to choose yogurt that is low in sugar and does not contain any added flavors or sweeteners.
3. Buttermilk
Buttermilk is a tangy and creamy drink that can help to neutralize the heat from spicy food. The acidity in buttermilk can help to break down the capsaicin and reduce the burning sensation. Additionally, the fat in buttermilk can help to create a protective layer on your tongue and provide relief from the heat.
4. Coconut Water
Coconut water is a refreshing and hydrating drink that can help to cool down the heat from spicy food. The electrolytes in coconut water can help to balance the heat in your body and provide relief from the burning sensation. Additionally, coconut water can help to soothe the inflammation caused by capsaicin.
5. Cucumber Juice
Cucumber juice is a refreshing and cooling drink that can help to reduce the heat from spicy food. Cucumbers contain a high amount of water, which can help to hydrate your body and soothe the burning sensation. Additionally, the cooling properties of cucumbers can help to reduce inflammation and provide relief from the heat.
6. Green Tea
Green tea is a healthy and refreshing drink that can help to reduce the heat from spicy food. The antioxidants in green tea can help to neutralize the heat in your body and reduce the burning sensation. Additionally, green tea can help to soothe the inflammation caused by capsaicin.
7. Tomato Juice
Tomato juice is a tangy and refreshing drink that can help to reduce the heat from spicy food. Tomatoes contain a high amount of lycopene, which can help to neutralize the heat in your body and reduce the burning sensation. Additionally, the cooling properties of tomatoes can help to soothe the inflammation caused by capsaicin.
8. Pineapple Juice
Pineapple juice is a sweet and refreshing drink that can help to reduce the heat from spicy food. Pineapples contain an enzyme called bromelain, which can help to break down the capsaicin and reduce the burning sensation. Additionally, the high amount of vitamin C in pineapple juice can help to soothe the inflammation caused by capsaicin.
9. Beer
Beer is a popular drink to pair with spicy food, and for good reason. The carbonation in beer can help to neutralize the heat in your mouth and provide relief from the burning sensation. Additionally, the alcohol in beer can help to numb your taste buds and reduce the intensity of the heat.
10. Lemonade
Lemonade is a sweet and tangy drink that can help to reduce the heat from spicy food. The acidity in lemonade can help to neutralize the heat in your mouth and provide relief from the burning sensation. Additionally, the high amount of vitamin C in lemonade can help to soothe the inflammation caused by capsaicin.
In conclusion, there are many drinks that can help to reduce the heat from spicy food. Milk, yogurt, buttermilk, coconut water, cucumber juice, green tea, tomato juice, pineapple juice, beer, and lemonade are all great options. It is important to choose a drink that works best for you and your taste preferences. Additionally, it is important to drink slowly and in moderation to avoid any potential negative effects of consuming too much liquid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Spicy food can be delicious, but it can also be too much for some people to handle. Luckily, there are drinks that can help with the heat. Here are some common questions people have about what drinks can help with spicy food.
What drinks can help with spicy food?
There are several drinks that can help cool down the heat from spicy food. One of the most popular is milk. Milk contains a protein called casein, which helps to break down the capsaicin in spicy food. This can provide almost immediate relief from the heat.
Another drink that can help is yogurt. Like milk, yogurt contains casein, but it also has healthy bacteria that can help soothe the digestive system. Other drinks that can help include coconut water, which can help replenish electrolytes lost through sweating, and lemonade or limeade, which can help cut through the spice with their acidic properties.
Are there any drinks that can make spicy food worse?
While there are drinks that can help with the heat from spicy food, there are also some that can make it worse. Avoid drinking alcohol when eating spicy food, as it can increase the heat and make it more difficult to handle. Carbonated drinks like soda can also make the heat worse, as the bubbles can cause discomfort when combined with the spiciness.
Additionally, drinks that are too sweet can also make the heat worse. Stick to drinks that are more neutral in flavor, like water or the drinks mentioned above.
How much of these drinks should I have?
The amount of each drink you should have depends on how spicy the food is and how much you can handle. Milk and yogurt are effective in small amounts, so a glass or two should be enough to provide relief. Coconut water is a good option for hydrating, so drink as much as you need to stay hydrated. Lemonade and limeade can be consumed in moderation to help cut through the spice.
Keep in mind that drinking too much of any drink can lead to discomfort, so it’s best to drink in moderation.
Are there any foods that can help with spicy food?
In addition to drinks, there are also foods that can help with the heat from spicy food. Bread and rice are good options, as they can help absorb some of the spice. Cheese and avocado can also help, as the fat in these foods can help coat the mouth and provide relief.
Additionally, foods that are high in water content, like cucumbers and watermelon, can help hydrate the body and reduce the heat from spicy food.
Is it best to drink before or after eating spicy food?
It’s best to drink before and during eating spicy food to help prepare your body and provide relief. Drinking water or other neutral drinks before eating can help hydrate the body and make it easier to handle the heat.
Drinking milk or other relief drinks during and after eating can help soothe the mouth and digestive system. However, it’s important to remember that drinking too much of any drink can lead to discomfort, so drink in moderation.
Drink THIS If Your Mouth Is Burning
In conclusion, there are several drinks that can help to alleviate the burning sensation of spicy food. First, dairy products such as milk, yogurt, or buttermilk are great options as they contain casein, a protein that helps to neutralize the capsaicin in spicy foods. Additionally, carbonated drinks like soda or sparkling water can also provide relief as the carbonation helps to soothe the heat in your mouth.
Another popular drink to pair with spicy foods is beer. The bitterness of the hops in beer can help to balance the spiciness of the food, making it more enjoyable to eat. However, it’s important to note that beer can also dehydrate you, so be sure to drink plenty of water alongside it.
Lastly, herbal teas like chamomile or peppermint can also aid in easing the discomfort caused by spicy foods. These teas have natural anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce inflammation in your mouth and digestive system.
Overall, the best drink to pair with spicy food depends on your personal preference and tolerance level. Experiment with different options to find what works best for you and always remember to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
