IN TODAY’S QUESTIONABLE but hopeful research studies, scientists in Australia have claimed that the answer to all those hangovers has been sitting in our fruit bowl this whole time.

Research from the country’s Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSRIO) tells us that eating a pear before drinking could be the solution to all of your manky hangovers. But, as always, there’s a catch. The pears in question must be Asian pears. These can be found in most good greengrocers in Ireland, and are a well known cure in the Far East.

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Manny Noakes, the research director, emphasised that the pear must be eaten BEFORE alcohol consumption to have the full effect.

Reductions were seen in blood acetaldehyde levels, the toxic metabolic thought to be responsible for the hangover symptoms, with pear juice consumption.

Overall hangover severity, as measured by a 14 item hangover symptom scale, was significantly reduced in the pear group compared to those having a placebo drink, with the most pronounced effect seen on the specific symptom of ‘trouble concentrating’.

Tests will now be carried out to see if standard pears yield the same effects.

It’s confirmed then, prevention is better than cure.

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