CHILI-PEPPER CONSUMPTION BELIEFS AND HEAL TH IN MEXICO-CITY

Eating chili peppers is a cultural tradition in Mexico. Controversial characteristics have been empirically associated to chili pepper consu mption and human health. In this paper, the beliefs about the health i mpacts of chili pepper consumption in two independent groups of Mexico City residents are described. The results confirm, on the one hand th at there is a wide variety of health benefits and damages associated w ith chili pepper consumption, but on the other hand that the levels of chili pepper consumption are not related To beliefs about its human h ealth impact.