Health risks from coffee mixed with chili peppers

A chili-infused coffee latte is currently trending in China, but experts are warning about the potential harm of this unusual drink.

Recently, a coffee shop in Jiangxi Province (China) launched a spicy latte by adding chopped dried chilies to an iced latte and sprinkling a layer of chili powder on top. Each cup costs 20 yuan (approximately 68,000 VND) and they can sell 300 cups a day.

A store employee said that they initially thought the coffee would be spicy, but it actually tasted better than expected. "This is really good, not as strange as people think," the employee said, adding that most customers have given positive feedback on the new drink.

In fact, spicy coffee isn't new. Since 2021, a shop called Chilli Coffee in Australia has been offering packaged spicy coffee, priced between $9 and $230 depending on the quantity. The product is described as "award-winning coffee and a favorite at chili festivals and barbecues."

Spicy latte coffee is causing a sensation in China. Photo: SCMP — Spicy latte coffee is causing a sensation in China. Photo: *SCMP*

While interesting, experts warn that excessive consumption of this drink can be harmful to health. The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation has listed spicy foods among those that can trigger irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

According to the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology, chili peppers contain a high amount of capsaicin, which sends pain signals to the brain, causing a burning sensation in the mouth and on the tongue. The spiciness can cause stomach pain, diarrhea, chest pain, headaches, and vomiting. In rare cases, extremely spicy chili peppers can cause pounding headaches or severe vomiting, and damage to the esophagus.

"Consuming large amounts of capsaicin can damage the digestive tract because it is absorbed more in the stomach and small intestine," said Dr. Fazia Mir, spokesperson for the American Gastroenterological Association, adding that a study published in the August 2022 issue of the journal Experimental Cell Research also corroborated this.

A study published in Food magazine in March 2022 indicated that consuming large amounts of capsaicin inhibits stomach acid production, causing gastritis and altering the structure of the intestinal barrier. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, excessively spicy food is one of the causes of esophagitis and gastroesophageal reflux disease.

"For those who are particularly sensitive to capsaicin, even inhaling it can trigger an asthma attack. Ingesting large amounts of capsaicin can cause bronchospasm in these patients," said Dr. Mir.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, spicy foods are considered warming, beneficial for improving blood circulation and raising body temperature in cold weather. However, while beneficial, spicy foods should be avoided by patients with stomach problems, heart conditions, kidney problems, gallstones, mouth ulcers, hemorrhoids, and women who have recently given birth. The spiciness can exacerbate stomach ulcers.

Above all, spicy elements must pass through the kidneys for excretion, a process that damages kidney cells. The stimulating effect of spicy seasonings also causes a sudden increase in blood circulation, making the heart rate of those with hemorrhoids even faster, potentially leading to cardiovascular collapse. In addition, eating spicy food irritates hemorrhoids, making the swelling and congestion more severe.

Therefore, experts advise people with digestive problems, stomach issues, reflux, etc., to limit their consumption of this beverage to avoid potential health risks.

Doan Hung (According to NetEase, Everyday Health, Cleveland Clinic )

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