Superfoods To Fight Hangovers This Party Season

As the festive party season approaches, so does the prospect of the dreaded after-Christmas-party hangover. Whilst we can’t do anything to dull the embarrassment of an office snog, or an ill advised karaoke performance, the newly crowned superfoods on the market could offer much needed relief to the pounding headaches and morning nausea without turning to painkillers and junk food. We’ve heard of spirulina and chia seeds, but it’s time to make way for the new all star ingredients on the block for 2015, which are already favourite amongst the likes of Kim Kardashian and Dr Oz.

To help guide your way through the hangover superfood maze, we’ve enlisted the help of Holistic Nutritionist Nikki Baker to sort the olive leaf from the shilajit. 

Ingredient: Olive Leaf

Best for: Lowering blood pressure and cholesterol. 

Olive leaf has incredibly potent antioxidant properties, helping to protect the cells of the body. It contains hydroxytyrosol one of the most potent antioxidants found so far.  In a study of 55 herbs, it was shown to have the highest radical-scavenging activity of all the herbs studied more than twice that of green tea and it is more potent than vitamin C. Olive leaf has anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties and is nature’s natural anti-biotic. It lowers blood pressure and cholesterol.

Ingredient: Chlorella

Best for: liver detoxification and healthy protein delivery

We’ve all seen supermodels sipping on green juices containing chlorella this year, but as Nikki explains, there’s more to this trend than just a fad, especially when it comes to the morning after.  “Sun Chlorella ‘A’ ( £21.95 available at www.bodykind.co.uk) is a green algae, and a superfood detoxifier. It contains high levels of complete protein with properties that bond with heavy metals and chemical toxins, helping to eliminate them from the brain and nervous system. Professor Fukui of Sapporo Medicinal University has reported that even with a fairly large consumption of alcohol, hangovers can be prevented by up to 96% with chlorella. Its bio-available nutrients make it a perfect whole food multi vitamin, with 540% of your RDA of vitamin D per dose and a B12 content equivalent to a 32 ounce steak.” Fans include Rosie Huntington Whiteley, Miranda Kerr, Victoria Beckham and Millie Mackintosh to name a few.

Ingredient: Reishi

Best for: Immunity  

Reishi is Queen of the Medicinal Mushrooms and is the most well-studied herb in the history of the world. Reishi has traditionally been used as an anti-aging herb as well as using it for its ability to significantly improve the functioning of the immune system by acting as an immune modulator. It contains potent antioxidants and has a mild tranquilizing effect on the central nervous system – perfect for when you’re feeling a little fragile after a Christmas party!

Ingredient: Zeolites

Best for: Reducing blood sugar spikes

Zeolites are a form of unique, volcanic mineral compounds with crystalline structures that work like a magnet to attract heavy metals, chemicals and other pollutants and safely removing them from the body. Zeolites have been shown to have anti-viral activities and balance your bodies PH levels. it can also buffer excess glucose by its negative charge and therefore helps reduce blood sugar spikes.

Ingredient: Sea Buckthorn Oil

Best for: Improving heart function and topping up antioxidants

This superfood is rich in antioxidants, essential amino acids, vitamin E, rare Omega 7 and 190 other bioactives. Omega 7 Polyunsaturated fatty acids are important structural components of mucous membranes, which form the protective lining of internal organs such as the vaginal and respiratory tracts, as well as the surface of the eyes and mouth. Extracts can be used for acne, rosacia, insect bites and sunburn and scientific studies indicate it may have some antibiotic properties. Chinese researchers have completed a study suggesting that Sea Buckthorn oil extract can lower cholesterol, reduce angina and improve heart function in patients with cardiac disease.

Ingredient: Shilajit

Best for: removing toxins from the body

Shilajit contains 80+ minerals and fulvic acid which assists in the removal of toxins, improves nutrition to cells and helps restore electricity to the blood. Shilajit promotes the movement of minerals into muscle, tissue and bone.