This Vegetable Might Be Able to Prevent a Hangover

Alcohol can be fun for some, but it may also leave you with a devastating hangover the next morning. According to a study published in the Journal of Food Science, this vegetable can help to ease the pain.

The amino acids and minerals found in the extract of asparagus may alleviate alcohol hangovers and protect liver cells against toxins.

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

Chronic alcohol use can cause unpleasant physical effects and oxidative stress on the liver. However, asparagus leaves and shoots were able to alleviate these cellular toxicities significantly.

"These results provide evidence of how the biological functions of asparagus can help alleviate alcohol hangover and protect liver cells," Kim said.

Asparagus has long been used as an herbal medicine thanks to its anti-cancer, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory effects. If you're imbibing, it certainly can't hurt to have some asparagus on the side with your dinner.