Thaindian News

London, Dec 24 (IANS) Scientists claim that a natural sweetener like honey is a great way to deal with the toxic effects of a hangover. The Royal Society of Chemistry claims that the fructose in the honey - which is also found in golden syrup - is essential to help the body break down alcohol into harmless by-products.

The reason why hangovers are painful is that alcohol is first broken down into acetaldehyde, a substance which is toxic for the body, says John Emsley of the Royal Society.

This is then converted - using fructose - into acetic acid which is then burnt during the body’s normal metabolic process and broken down into carbon dioxide which is breathed out of the body, the Telegraph reports.

Serving the honey on toast adds potassium and sodium to the meal, which also helps the body cope with the alcohol.

Emsley, author of the Consumer’s Good Chemical Guide said: “The happiness comes from alcohol. The hangover comes from acetaldehyde. This is a toxic chemical into which alcohol is converted by the body and it causes a throbbing headache, nausea, and even vomiting.”

“The hangover disappears as the acetaldehyde is slowly converted to less toxic chemicals.”

He said that drinking a glass of milk, sticking to clear alcohols such as gin and mixing occasionally in soft drinks were helpful as was drinking water before going to bed.