Drinking to ring in the New Year may have left many of you suffering with the dreaded hangover. According to a 2009 study, the cure may be asparagus!
The amino acids and minerals found in asparagus extract may alleviate alcohol hangover and protect liver cells against toxins.
Researchers analyzed the components of young asparagus shoots and leaves to compare their biochemical effects on human and rat liver cells. Researcher B.Y. Kim says, "The amino acid and mineral contents were found to be much higher in the leaves than the shoots."
Chronic alcohol use causes oxidative stress on the liver as well as unpleasant physical effects associated with a hangover. "Cellular toxicities were significantly alleviated in response to treatment with the extracts of asparagus leaves and shoots," says Kim. "These results provide evidence of how the biological functions of asparagus can help alleviate alcohol hangover and protect liver cells."
So now you know what to have for supper the next morning–especially if one of your New Year’s resolutions is losing weight!
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