New Years Eve is quickly approaching as everyone gets their best outfit ready, their new years resolution written down, bottles of champagne prepared, and asparagus stocked in the fridge.

With too much champagne, like other alcohol, comes a hangover, and who wants to spend the first day of 2013 in bed with a hangover?

Most people want to start the new year refreshed with their resolution, most commonly starting a popular diet or exercise, especially after over-indulging during the holiday season, however these resolutions can be challenging with a hangover.

According to research from 2009 published by the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) in the Journal of Food Science, asparagus can help the body speed up the metabolism of alcohol.

The study showed that asparagus extract contains amino acids and minerals that may cure an alcohol hangover and help keep liver cells safe from toxins.

A team of experts at the Institute of Medical Science and Jeju National University in Korea evaluated the elements of young asparagus leaves and shoots in order to differentiate the impact on the liver cells of humans and rats.

“The amino acid and mineral contents were found to be much higher in the leaves than the shoots,” said B.Y. Kim, leading researcher.

Oxidative stress on the liver results from chronic alcohol use, as does the uncomfortable physical outcome linked to a hangover.

Kim explained:

“Cellular toxicities were significantly alleviated in response to treatment with the extracts of asparagus leaves and shoots. 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 consumed all around the world. The vegetable has anticancer effects, which is why it has been used as an herbal medicine. It also has anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and diuretic qualities.

A previous report from last year indicated ways to avoid a hangover, including:

  • eating before drinking alcohol (food slows the absorption of alcohol)
  • drink slowly
  • drink a glass of water after each drink of alcohol to avoid dehydration
  • take a vitamin B supplement
  • sleep as much as possible after the party is finished

A symptom is something that the person feels, such as feeling dizzy; while a sign is something that everyone can notice, such as bloodshot eyes.

The signs and symptoms most often occur in the morning, after a night of consuming a lot of alcohol, when the person’s blood alcohol drops significantly. They may include:

Written by Sarah Glynn