Capsicum fruits, such as jalapenos, habaneros, bell, ghost, and their relatives, are known for the heat they produce when eaten. The level of heat depends on the amount of capsaicin, an active ingredient in Capsicum peppers, which causes a burning sensation in the mouth. The Aztecs believed that hanging chilies from their boats would repel sharks, but the capsaicin is inside the peppers, not on the outside. Some people have proposed using capsaicin extract as a shark repellent, but it is unlikely to work due to the sharks’ sensory organs and the dilution of capsaicin in the water. Even though capsicum extracted from habanero peppers was tested, it was not enough to scare away any sharks. Sharks can withstand noxious chemicals, and shark attacks are rare.
Additional Information
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Useful Links
- Discovery Channel’s Guide to Sharks
- Chile Pepper Institute: The Heat of Chilies
- MythBusters Website
References
- Andrews, Jean. “Peppers: The Domesticated Capsicum.” University of Texas Press. 1995. (June 13, 2008)http://books.google.com/books?id=SsjvX31EMekC
- Bavley, Alan. “Ancient eaters liked it hot, too: Chilies date back 6,000 years, making them one of the oldest domesticated foods in the Americas.” Knight Ridder Tribune Business News. Feb. 16, 2007. (June 11, 2008)
- Brown, David. “One Hot Archeological Find.” The Washington Post. Feb. 16, 2007. (June 11, 2008)http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/02/15/AR2007021502130.html
- Hussein, Wasbir. “World’s Hottest Chili Used as Elephant Repellent.” National Geographic. Nov. 20, 2007. (June 11, 2008)http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2007/11/071120-AP-india-elephants.html
- Matos, Gonzalo Ramos and Romero, Felix Eduardo. “Capsicum shark repellent.” United States. Application number 11/179,118. July 12, 2005. (June 11, 2008)http://www.google.com/patents?id=ucKaAAAAEBAJ&dq=Capsicum+shark+repellent
- Parker, Jane and Parker, Steve. “The Encyclopedia of Sharks.” Firefly Books. 2002.
- Perry, Linda and Flannery, Kent V. “Precolumbian use of chili peppers in the Valley of Oaxaca, Mexico.” July 17, 2007. (June 11, 2008)http://www.pnas.org/cgi/content/abstract/104/29/11905
FAQ
1. What is the theory linking ancient Aztecs and shark attacks?
According to the theory, ancient Aztecs may have held the secret to fending off shark attacks. The Aztecs used a plant called “huaya” to make a potion that they believed could repel sharks. The potion was made by boiling the huaya plant and rubbing the resulting liquid on the skin. It is believed that the potion contained a chemical that sharks found repulsive, and that the Aztecs used it to protect themselves while fishing in shark-infested waters.
2. How was the theory discovered?
The theory was discovered by a marine biologist named Dr. Christopher Lowe, who was studying the feeding habits of great white sharks off the coast of California. He came across a historical account of the Aztecs using a potion to repel sharks and became curious about whether it could be effective. Dr. Lowe and his team then set out to test the theory by creating a synthetic version of the potion and testing it on sharks in a controlled environment.
3. What were the results of the experiment?
The results of the experiment were promising. The synthetic version of the Aztec potion proved to be effective in repelling sharks. The sharks showed a clear aversion to the chemical compound in the potion and stayed away from it. However, the experiment was conducted in a controlled environment, and it is unclear whether the potion would be effective in the open ocean.
4. Could the Aztec potion be used to protect swimmers and surfers?
It is possible that the Aztec potion could be used to protect swimmers and surfers from shark attacks. However, more research would need to be done to determine its effectiveness in real-world scenarios. It is also important to note that the potion would need to be used in conjunction with other shark deterrent measures, such as electronic devices and education about shark behavior.
5. Is the Aztec potion safe for humans?
There is no evidence to suggest that the Aztec potion is unsafe for humans. However, the potion has not been extensively studied, and it is unclear what the long-term effects of repeated exposure to the chemical compound in the potion might be. It is important to exercise caution when using any new product, especially one that has not been thoroughly tested.
6. What other methods are there for protecting against shark attacks?
There are several other methods for protecting against shark attacks, including wearing protective gear such as wetsuits and helmets, avoiding areas where sharks are known to be present, and using electronic devices that emit signals that are unappealing to sharks. Swimmers and surfers can also reduce their risk of shark attacks by being aware of their surroundings and avoiding behaviors that might attract sharks, such as swimming in murky water or wearing shiny jewelry.
7. How common are shark attacks?
Shark attacks are relatively rare, with only a few dozen reported each year worldwide. However, when they do occur, they can be extremely dangerous and sometimes fatal. The risk of a shark attack varies depending on a number of factors, including the species of shark, the location, and the time of year.
8. What should you do if you encounter a shark?
If you encounter a shark, it is important to remain calm and avoid making sudden movements. Sharks are attracted to splashing and thrashing, so try to keep your movements slow and controlled. If possible, back away slowly and maintain eye contact with the shark. If the shark does attack, use any available objects to defend yourself, such as a surfboard or a stick. Remember that most sharks will only attack if they feel threatened, so try to avoid provoking them.
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