Bacon sandwiches do cure hangovers

The paper quotes Elin Roberts, science development manager at the Centre for Life in Newcastle, who says: "Food doesn't soak up the alcohol, but it does increase your metabolism - helping you to deal with the after-effects of over-indulgence.

"So food will often help you feel better. Bread is high in carbohydrates and bacon is full of protein, which breaks down into amino acids.

"Your body needs these amino acids, so eating them will make you feel good. Bingeing on alcohol depletes neurotransmitters too, but bacon contains a high level of amines which tops these up, giving you a clearer head."

There's even a scientific formula behind that tantalising aroma of a bacon butty.

Elin adds: "If you've got amino acids and reducing sugars at a heat above 150 degrees centigrade, it kickstarts the Maillard Reaction in the pan.

"That means lots of lovely smells are released and it's this which draws us in. I know of three vegetarians who have been broken by the smell of bacon."

If you're a fan of bacon, visit The Holy Church of Bacon where people are free to worship the religion known as Baconism.

Weird Science Factoid: The oceans contain enough salt to cover all the continents to a depth of nearly 500 feet. Or about as much as many people put on their food.

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