Eating asparagus may prevent New Year's hangovers. 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. Researcher B.Y. Kim says, "The amino acid and   mineral contents were found to be much higher in the leaves than the shoots.   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. These results provide evidence of how the biological functions of asparagus   can help alleviate alcohol hangover and protect liver cells."