Hot Bowl of Old Sober Soup Cures Hangover

Old Sober, also known as Yak-a-mein, is an effective cure for hangover, report researchers. Yak-a-mein is originally a Korean concoction that reached New Orleans following the Korean War. The beef and noodle broth works as a perfect hangover remedy. Drinking alcohol to levels higher than what the body can cope with leads to hangovers. High blood levels of alcohol (ethanol, the chief ingredient), teams with dehydration and the toxic effects of acetaldehyde (a breakdown product of alcohol) and of substances called congeners lead to a 'metabolic storm'. Headache, nausea, fatigue, body aches and weakness ensue.

The aftermath of consuming red wine and dark liquors like brandy and whisky is more pronounced! These contain higher levels of congeners than white wine or clear spirits like vodka. Alcohol also acts as a diuretic; important ions like sodium and potassium are lost in excessive amounts in urine.

The chief ingredients of Yak-a-mein include salty beef and soy sauce based broth; noodles (provide carbohydrates); beef, chicken or shrimp (source of protein); onions; hardboiled egg. These contents can replace the vital nutrients lost from the body following consumption of alcohol.

Old Sober has been popular for a long time for its 'hangover busting' effects. It is believed to have been brought to New Orleans by soldiers returning from the Korean War. The true scientific evidence for the relieving effect was produced by a team of researchers from the University of California lead by Alyson E. Mitchell.

Source-Medindia