Toast, honey 'best hangover cure'

British research says the best Christmas hangover cure breakfast is toast with a large dollop of honey, contrary to popular belief.

toast_honey_breakfast_101224_dexbyTownhouse_2141184569

File photo. Source: AAP

Hair of the dog, a fry-up or drinking lots of caffeine are all popular cures for a Christmas hangover, but scientists have discovered an unusual addition to the list.

Instead of grabbing a cup of coffee and a plate of bacon and eggs, the best breakfast after a heavy night out could be toast with a large dollop of honey.

Dr John Emsley, of the Royal Society of Chemistry, says hangovers are caused when the body converts alcohol into the toxic chemical acetaldehyde.

"Only time cures a hangover, and generally the acetaldehyde will be gone by mid-morning or midday.

"You can speed recovery by taking in more fluids, but hair of the dog only works if it relieves alcohol withdrawal symptoms, which suggests you are becoming addicted.

"The best breakfast is toast and honey, which provides the body with the sodium, potassium and fructose it now needs."

Emsley added that the best way to avoid a hangover in the first place is to have a glass of milk before you start drinking, stick to gin or vodka with a few soft drinks throughout the night, and then have a glass of water before you go to bed.

And remember to stock up on honey.


Share

2 min read

Published

Updated

Source: AAP



Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Watch now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world