Asparagus: The Secret Cure for Hangovers?

New Study Shows it Counters the Effects of a Alcohol

Forget Advil, cold compresses or hair of the dog - the true cure-all for a nasty hangover can apparently be found in your grocer's aisle. A new study set to be published in the Journal of Food Science claims that asparagus helps offset the effects of a heavy night of drinking.

How so? Asparagus is apparently very high in amino acids, which help break down the effects of ethanol, the key compound in booze. Researchers whipped up a beverage containing asparagus extract and volunteers who drank the extract reported fewer hangover symptoms. And according to the study, asparagus works if you eat it before or after you consume alcohol.

READ: 12 Hangover Cures from Famous Drunkards

Personally, I'm wondering how they even arrived at asparagus to test it, but Deokbae Park, PhD explains it was a matter of trial and error with numerous types of food. "Our study basically aimed to find any diet high that would promote the breakdown of ethanol," she explains.

Lesson learned: if you like to party, it might be a good idea to keep some asparagus in the fridge at all times. According to the study, it works in any form, including raw, steamed, sautéed or boiled.

Then, if all else fails, head to McDonald's. Their Egg McMuffin sandwich may not cure you, but it's bound to taste a heck of a lot better.