The hottest pepper in the world is the Red Savina Habanero - an infernal 350,000 Scoville units. The chile gets busy on your body, speeding up your heartbeat and clearing up your sinuse. It s stimulatory properties are helpful to poor circulation. Recent research suggests that the chile may help to ward off blood clotting. The burning sensation that the chile triggers on your skin stimulates the release of endorphins in your brain.
Endorphins are the body s natural painkillers and evoke feelings of well-being, even euphoria.
If your skin is broken it s advisable to use gloves when handling chiles. In fact, it s probably worth doing anyway. If you rub your eyes later it s not pleasant. Otherwise wash your hands well with washing up liquid when you re finished. Don t smell chile powder.