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Eating asparagus may prevent a hangover, study suggests

Date:
December 26, 2012
Source:
Institute of Food Technologists (IFT)
Summary:
With New Year's Eve just around the corner, there is always plenty of good food and cheer. If you are drinking alcohol you may want to reach for some asparagus, according to a study that found asparagus may aid the body in accelerating the metabolism of alcohol.
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Drinking to ring in the New Year may leave many suffering with the dreaded hangover. According to a 2009 study in the Journal of Food Science, published by the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), the amino acids and minerals found in asparagus extract may alleviate alcohol hangover and protect liver cells against toxins.

Researchers at the Institute of Medical Science and Jeju National University in Korea analyzed the components of young asparagus shoots and leaves to compare their biochemical effects on human and rat liver cells. "The amino acid and mineral contents were found to be much higher in the leaves than the shoots," says lead researcher B.Y. Kim.

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."

Asparagus officinalis is a common vegetable that is widely consumed worldwide and has long been used as an herbal medicine due to its anticancer effects. It also has antifungal, anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties.


Story Source:

Materials provided by Institute of Food Technologists (IFT). Note: Content may be edited for style and length.


Journal Reference:

  1. B.-Y. Kim, Z.-G. Cui, S.-R. Lee, S.-J. Kim, H.-K. Kang, Y.-K. Lee, D.-B. Park. Effects of Asparagus officinalis Extracts on Liver Cell Toxicity and Ethanol Metabolism. Journal of Food Science, 2009; 74 (7): H204 DOI: 10.1111/j.1750-3841.2009.01263.x

Cite This Page:

Institute of Food Technologists (IFT). "Eating asparagus may prevent a hangover, study suggests." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 26 December 2012. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/12/121226101227.htm>.
Institute of Food Technologists (IFT). (2012, December 26). Eating asparagus may prevent a hangover, study suggests. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 18, 2024 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/12/121226101227.htm
Institute of Food Technologists (IFT). "Eating asparagus may prevent a hangover, study suggests." ScienceDaily. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/12/121226101227.htm (accessed March 18, 2024).

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