Forget about the hangover. Scientists have developed a groundbreaking remedy
Scientists have developed an innovative protein-based gel that is able to break down alcohol in the digestive tract. Most importantly, it is not harmful to the body.
The problem with alcohol is that most of it enters the bloodstream directly through the lining of the stomach and intestines. The consequences of this are quite unpleasant – even small amounts of alcohol impair the ability to concentrate and reactincreasing the risk of accidents.
There is no need to remind anyone that regular drinking of large amounts of alcohol is harmful to health, and frequent consequences of alcohol abuse include liver disease, inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract and cancer. The statistics are alarming – according to the World Health Organization, approximately 3 million people die every year due to alcohol.
Why is gel development so important
Scientists at ETH Zurich have developed a completely edible protein gel that breaks down alcohol in the digestive tract. The study was published in the journal Nature Nanotechnology and showed that the gel was able to effectively and quickly convert alcohol into harmless acetic acid before it even entered the bloodstream. It therefore prevents the development of harmful and intoxicating effects after drinking alcohol.
The gel shifts the breakdown of alcohol from the liver to the digestive tract. Unlike alcohol metabolized in the liver, harmful acetaldehyde is not formed as an intermediate product
– explains the significance of the discovery by Professor Raffaele Mezzenga from the Food and Soft Materials Laboratory of ETH in Zurich
Using the gel will limit health damage
The gel can be taken orally before or while drinking alcohol to prevent acetaldehyde from increasing the level of alcohol in the blood and therefore damaging the body. What makes it different from other products available on the market? The gel is the only one that combats not only the symptoms of harmful alcohol consumption, but also its causes.
The gel is effective only under one condition
The gel shows its benefits only works when alcohol is still in the digestive tract. Once it enters the bloodstream, it is too late to use the gel.
Gel ingredients: iron, whey and gold
Ordinary whey proteins were used to produce the gel. They were boiled for several hours to develop fibers. After adding salt and water, a gel formed. Then, iron was added to make it react even more effectively with alcohol. Undoubtedly, the greatest advantage of the gel is that it can work for a long time because it is digested very slowly.
Patent pending
Scientists have just applied for a patent on the gel. 'Before it can be put into circulation, it will need several clinical tests. However, scientists are deeply convinced that this last stage will be a complete success. Nothing but wait.
See: She hasn't drank a single drop and she has a record hangover. This is the “vodka” scam
See: Have you been drinking? Your smartphone will betray you