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.