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Fight The Dreaded Hangover: Asparagus Extracts May Protect The
Liver
Main Category: Nutrition / Diet
Also Included In: Alcohol / Addiction / Illegal Drugs; Liver
Disease / Hepatitis
The amino acids and minerals found in asparagus extract may
alleviate alcohol hangover and protect liver cells against toxins,
according to a study in the Journal of Food Science, published by
the Institute of Food Technologists.
Asparagus officinal is a common vegetable that 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.
Researchers at the Institute of Medical Science and Jeju National
University in Korea 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.
Chronic alcohol use causes oxidative stress on the liver as well
as unpleasant physical effects associated with a hangover.
"Cellular toxicities were significantly alleviated in response to
treatment with the extracts of asparagus leaves and shoots," says
Kim. "These results provide evidence of how the biological
functions of asparagus can help alleviate alcohol hangover and
protect liver cells."
Source
Institute of Food Technologists
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