Planning to knock back a few as you ring in the new year? Of course you are! The problem, of course, is the morning after. Looking for that ever-elusive cure for the dreaded hangover? Hair of the dog notwithstanding, this year you may be able to eat your way out of feeling like death warmed up. The secret weapon is right there in your crisper: asparagus.
Yep, apparently the stalky greens contain amino acids and minerals that protect the liver against boozy toxins, says a 2009 study published in the Journal of Food Science.
According to an article in Science Daily, researchers at the Korean Institute of Medical Science and Jeju National University analyzed the biochemical effect of asparagus on both human and rat liver cells. Though the amino acids and mineral content are found in higher concentration in the leaves and shoots, asparagus does counter the effects of a big night.
Better known to you and me as a yummy summer veggie, asparagus officinalis has long been considered a herbal wonder for its "cancer-fighting, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties."
With any luck you will be able to buy the extract in health food stores, you could purchase this little doohicky. Then again, you could just pop an aspirin.
If you do try out this homemade remedy, do report back and let us know if you think it made a jot of a difference.
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