Can Spicy Food Kill You?

After that "killer" curry-eating contest that sent two contestants to the hospital, we've been wary of trying any peppers too spicy. MSNBC must have felt the same; they asked horticulture expert Paul Bosland whether spice can kill.

The answer? Theoretically, yes. Physically? Probably not.

"A research study in 1980 calculated that three pounds of extreme chiles in powder form — of something like the Bhut Jolokia — eaten all at once could kill a 150-pound person," Bosland told MSNBC. Luckily, your body will stop you via tissue inflamation, heart burns, and extreme pain before you reach that level.

So if you're feeling a little adventurous, check out our guide to chiles. But be careful.

The Daily Byte is a regular column dedicated to covering interesting food news and trends across the country. Click here for previous columns.