<p>Asparagus, a common vegetable, may alleviate alcohol hangover and protect liver cells against toxins, researchers claim.<br /><br /></p>.<p>Amino acids and minerals found in asparagus may prevent a hangover, according to researchers at the Institute of Medical Science and Jeju National University in South Korea.<br /><br />They analysed the components of young asparagus shoots and leaves to compare their biochemical effects on human and rat liver cells.<br /><br />“The amino acid and mineral contents were found to be much higher in the leaves than the shoots,” said lead researcher B Y Kim.<br /><br />Chronic alcohol use causes oxidative stress on the liver as well as unpleasant physical effects associated with a hangover.<br /><br />“Cellular toxicities were significantly alleviated in response to treatment with the extracts of asparagus leaves and shoots,” Kim said in a statement. “These results provide evidence of how the biological functions of asparagus can help alleviate alcohol hangover and protect liver cells,” Kim added.<br /><br />Asparagus officinalis 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.<br /><br />The study was published in the Journal of Food Science. <br /></p>
<p>Asparagus, a common vegetable, may alleviate alcohol hangover and protect liver cells against toxins, researchers claim.<br /><br /></p>.<p>Amino acids and minerals found in asparagus may prevent a hangover, according to researchers at the Institute of Medical Science and Jeju National University in South Korea.<br /><br />They analysed the components of young asparagus shoots and leaves to compare their biochemical effects on human and rat liver cells.<br /><br />“The amino acid and mineral contents were found to be much higher in the leaves than the shoots,” said lead researcher B Y Kim.<br /><br />Chronic alcohol use causes oxidative stress on the liver as well as unpleasant physical effects associated with a hangover.<br /><br />“Cellular toxicities were significantly alleviated in response to treatment with the extracts of asparagus leaves and shoots,” Kim said in a statement. “These results provide evidence of how the biological functions of asparagus can help alleviate alcohol hangover and protect liver cells,” Kim added.<br /><br />Asparagus officinalis 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.<br /><br />The study was published in the Journal of Food Science. <br /></p>