What is the hottest curry you can stomach?

The active ingredient in chillies is capsaicin. While capsaicin does not actually cause a chemical burn, the effect on the nervous system is similar to an allergic reaction, causing incredible pain, body spasms and severe breathing difficulties. More than 100 bowls of spicy vindaloo containing chilli and you risk a heart attack.

What else can the human body safely tolerate? Thankfully BBC Focus magazine has provided the answers.