Specialists at the Jeju National University in South Korea have discovered new medicinal properties of asparagus: the leaves and shoots of the plant protect liver cells from toxins and significantly alleviate hangover symptoms after drinking large amounts of alcohol, writes The Daily Mail.. This effect, as Korean scientists explain, is formed due to the content of amino acids and minerals in asparagus..

The study included the study of components that are found in the leaves and young shoots of asparagus, as well as a comparative analysis of their biochemical effects on human liver cells and the same rodent cells.. " According to the results of our study, the biological functions of asparagus have a positive effect on getting rid of the hangover syndrome and provide protection for liver cells,"

The experts also noted that the leaves of the plant are the most effective for protecting the body, since the concentration of amino acids and nutrients in them is higher..

An earlier study showed that the amino acids contained in asparagus stimulate the functions of enzymes that significantly accelerate the breakdown of alcohol in the body.. It was noted that volunteers who drank the asparagus leaf extract prior to drinking the drink reported less hangover symptoms..

Asparagus is considered an excellent anti-cancer agent, and also has diuretic, antifungal, anti-inflammatory properties..

The work was published in the Journal of Food Science.

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