Asparagus May Deter a Hangover
Chicago, IL
By Jordan Okumura
05.03.13
Whoever thought asparagus was the go-to for the classic hangover? According to a 2009 study in the Journal of Food Science, published by the Institute of Food Technologists which was reposted by the organization this year, asparagus may aid the body in accelerating the metabolism of alcohol.
The amino acids and minerals found in asparagus extract may alleviate that alcohol hangover we all dread while protecting liver cells against toxins. The research was conducted by the Institute of Medical Science and Jeju National University in Korea. The researchers 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.
“Cellular toxicities were significantly alleviated in response to treatment with the extracts of asparagus leaves and shoots,” noted Kim. “These results provide evidence of how the biological functions of asparagus can help alleviate alcohol hangover and protect liver cells.”
Asparagus also has antifungal, anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties.
Three cheers for asparagus!
