Whether it’s your first time having Indian food or you’re already familiar with the spicy cuisine, it’s wise to have quick remedies to deal with the heat. Indian food can carry a kick, which is part of its allure, but its more enjoyable if you know how to counteract the heat. When eating spicy Indian food, consider these three tips to keep your palate cool.

Top Tips for Eating Spicy Indian Food

1. Understand How Spicy Food Impacts You

Capsaicin is the chemical found in chili peppers that gives your favorite spicy dishes heat. This chemical binds with the receptors found on the surface of your taste buds and causes a change in the trigeminal nerve—which is responsible for sending signals from your brain to your mouth, nose, and eyes. This causes the burning sensation you commonly notice when eating spicy foods. Understanding what brings this sensation on can help you combat it by balancing out spicy foods with more mild ingredients.

2.  Add Dairy to Your Meal

To counteract the warm sensation that develops when you eat spicy food, consider incorporating plain dairy into your meal. A glass of milk can help cool your taste buds. Capsaicin is an oily substance and whole milk—as opposed to water—is loaded with fats, which can bind to this chemical and reduce its spicy effects.

3. Build Your Tolerance

If you enjoy spicy foods, building your tolerance is the easiest way to get your body used to the heat and its effects. Start by adding a milder hot sauce to your dishes each day, slowly moving your way up to medium and then hot. This way, your body and taste buds begin to get used to the spices, which means they won’t react as severely when a meal with some heat is introduced. You can also take antacids to improve your digestive system’s reaction to these dishes.

If you’re looking to spice up your lunch or meal options, consider ordering from Coromandel Cuisine of India in Orange, CT. The Indian food offered by this restaurant provides you with the savory spices and flavors you’ve been craving, whether you’re looking for a curry dish or something vegetarian. To view their menu, visit them online or call (203) 795-9055 to place an order.