Asparagus is a versatile spring vegetable that's a great source of fiber, folate, and vitamins.
Research even suggests that the nutrients found in asparagus may help the body accelerate the metabolism of alcohol and alleviate hangover symptoms.
Here’s more about asparagus as a hangover cure and its other benefits.
Can Asparagus Help Your Hangover?
A 2009 South Korean study published in the Journal of Food Science suggested that asparagus may help protect the liver against toxins and thus alleviate the effects of alcohol. It found that asparagus significantly increases the efficiency of the two key enzymes responsible for metabolizing ethanol, alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH).
However, this study was only performed on cultured human cells using asparagus leaf and shoot extract and did not involve any clinical trials. It remains unclear whether eating asparagus before, while, or after drinking alcohol would actually relieve hangover symptoms and to what extent.
Although asparagus may not guarantee a quick recovery from a hangover, if you are feeling unwell, eating this nutrient-rich vegetable might still make you feel a bit better. Besides, unless you have an allergy, there are no real downsides to eating asparagus.
Continue reading to learn why asparagus is good for you.
What Are Other Benefits of Asparagus
Rich in nutrients
Asparagus is among the most nutritionally balanced vegetables. It is an excellent source of fiber, proteins, vitamins A, C, E and K, potassium, and it also contains micronutrients, such as iron, zinc, and riboflavin.
Good source of antioxidants
Antioxidants are natural molecules that protect the cells in your body from the harmful effects of free radicals and oxidative stress which contribute to aging, chronic inflammation, and many diseases.
Just like other green vegetables, asparagus is high in antioxidants, including vitamin E, vitamin C, and glutathione, as well as various flavonoids and polyphenols. In fact, it is considered to be one of the best anti-aging foods due to its ability to neutralize free radicals and help slow the aging process.
Can improve digestive health
Asparagus acts as a prebiotic, which means that it helps increase the number of beneficial bacteria in the digestive system. These bacteria play an important role in strengthening the immune system and producing essential nutrients such as vitamins B12 and K2.
Asparagus also contains high quantities of insoluble fiber that supports regular bowel movements. Therefore, eating asparagus as part of a fiber-rich diet is a good way to ensure that your digestive system is healthy and balanced.
Research has shown that asparagus may be effective in managing gastrointestinal conditions because it helps regulate the digestive system, reduces inflammation, and promotes repair.
Helps support a healthy pregnancy
Asparagus is an excellent source of folate, the naturally occurring form of vitamin B9 which is essential for fetal development. This nutrient protects against neural tube defects such as spina bifida and anencephaly during early pregnancy.
What’s more, the high folate content in asparagus helps reduce the chances of low birth weight and minimizes complications of edema (water retention in the body tissues) due to its diuretic properties.
Helps lower blood pressure
Asparagus contains plenty of potassium which can effectively reduce high blood pressure, especially when combined with reduced salt intake. Potassium prevents enzymes in your body from producing a hormone called angiotensin that narrows blood vessels and increases blood pressure.
In addition, the amino acid asparagine found in asparagus acts as a natural diuretic. In other words, it helps your body get rid of excess water and salt, which in turn lowers blood pressure.
Can help you lose weight
Although studies have not directly tested the effects of asparagus on weight loss, this nutritious vegetable has a number of properties that could potentially help you lose weight.
Asparagus contains about 94% water and only 20 calories per half a cup. Its low calorie and high fiber content make asparagus an excellent food choice if you’re looking to lose or maintain your weight.
While asparagus is beneficial for your health and might help you feel better after a night of drinking, there are many other things you can do to cure a hangover. Here are just a few.
What Are Other Hangover Cures
Try these proven tips to help relieve the most common hangover symptoms like headache, fatigue, thirst, muscle aches, nausea, and upset stomach.
Bland, starchy food
Foods that are rich in starchy carbohydrates, such as potatoes, bananas, rice, and toast, are bland and easy for the body to digest. This may be particularly helpful when you’re hungover, as these foods can relieve nausea, increase your blood sugar levels, and boost your energy.
Painkillers
Taking painkillers like aspirin and ibuprofen is one of the most common hangover cures. These over-the-counter drugs can quickly relieve headaches and muscle pain associated with hangovers.
However, make sure to avoid taking Tylenol after drinking, as it may potentially cause liver damage when combined with alcohol.
Water/Fluids
Dehydration is a major side effect of alcohol consumption. Because alcohol is a diuretic, it causes the body to remove fluids from the blood at a much quicker rate than other liquids.
An easy way to rehydrate and feel better is to drink plenty of water and other fluids. They will help relieve hangover symptoms, while preventing dehydration and electrolyte imbalance caused by alcohol intake.
Coffee
Caffeine contributes to increased alertness and focus, in addition to reducing hangover fatigue and easing headaches. Studies have shown that coffee may help alleviate hangover side effects, especially when combined with anti-inflammatory drugs.
IV therapy
Intravenous therapy is among the most efficient ways to combat a hangover. Reset IV hangover formulas consist of hydrating fluids, vitamins, medication, and optional add-ons that are delivered directly into your bloodstream for immediate and full absorption.
Reset IV offers a wide range of IV packages that will help you restore the fluids and nutrients you lost while drinking and bring quick relief from even the most severe symptoms. Our hangover packages include: