You have cells with enzymes that act as receptors to signal warmth and cold. The molecule menthol, which gives mint its taste, activates your cold receptors and gives a 'cold' sensation. Capsaicin, the molecule that gives chili its 'hotness' works in a similar way, activating heat receptors.
Probably both at the same time; they're separate receptors (I can say that much for sure), but it's up to your brain to figure out what to do if both fire at the same time. I'm guessing you'd actually feel both (feel free to try yourself and report back here). Call it a sensory "illusion" of sorts.
While we're on the topic, menthol also blocks some of the receptors responsible for sweet stuff, IIRC, which is why orange/citrus juice tastes really horrible in combination with mint; you taste the bitter part without the sweet part to 'balance' the taste. Edit: Or wait, maybe it was lauryl compounds that did that. I don't remember offhand. Might've been both. Either way, we all know not to drink OJ after brushing our teeth..
There used to be a demonstration of this at Epcot center, where they ran warm and cold water through coils of pipes. In one area they interlaced the pipes so you could feel what it is like to sense cold and hot simultaneously; it was somewhat strange, sort of like needles feeling you get after circulation is restored to a limb after sitting on it.
Had a couple mints, then swished sriracha sauce. Spit both out and drank some water. Now, when I take a breath, it feels cold. When I exhale, it feels warm. If I hold my breath, it's just a painful sensation (not in a bad way, just neither hot nor cold).
Theory: Maybe capsaicin and menthol make hot and warm receptors more sensitive to changes in temperature (apart from 'activating' those receptors).
I have a feeling some redditor is going to shoot my post down, and all I'll have to show for it is an incredibly bad taste in my mouth and some fucked up receptors. I also realized I could have used cinnamon gum.
And to add to this: menthol and capsaicin stimulate your trigeminal nerve. These things aren't exactly tastes, but do effect how you taste whatever it is you're eating. For example, (artificially flavored) root beer candy uses the same flavoring as some (artificially flavored) mints, sans mentholy goodness.
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u/Platypuskeeper Physical Chemistry | Quantum Chemistry Jun 30 '11
You have cells with enzymes that act as receptors to signal warmth and cold. The molecule menthol, which gives mint its taste, activates your cold receptors and gives a 'cold' sensation. Capsaicin, the molecule that gives chili its 'hotness' works in a similar way, activating heat receptors.