Is Sprite better than a Bloody Mary?

Like the search for the Holy Grail, the perfect hangover cure seems to exist only in legend. We all know the “did-I-get-run-over-by a bus” sensation that follows a night of partying. A group of researchers from China published a study that claims to have found the magical elixir to dismiss the hangover cloud. It goes by the name of “Sprite.” A can of pop is the solution to hangovers? I am always skeptical of things that seem too good to be true, so I decided to delve a little deeper into the subject.

There are a number of news articles that seem to be impressed with the results obtained in the Sprite study. Here is the link to a news article of Sprite as a hangover cure: http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2013/12/30/sprite-to-cure-hangovers_n_4518990.html. I went to the website and read through the actual study. The study hypothesized that certain beverages can boost ALDH, a hangover-slaying enzyme. It turns out that Club Soda was twice as effective as Sprite in boosting ALDH. I’m not sure why Club Soda doesn’t get any attention, but I’m assuming it’s because Sprite is so much sexier. Furthermore, the study wasn’t performed on human subjects it was done in petri dishes, so the results are based entirely on an untested assumption that boosting ALDH can cure hangovers in humans. Sprite doesn’t contain any magic ingredients; it’s pretty much bubbly water, with corn syrup and artificial flavors.

A research university in China examined 58 different drinks offered in a Chinese grocery store. There was a hodgepodge (I used a thesaurus) of different kinds of tea of that list.  They focused on two enzymes that help breakdown alcohol. Alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) turns the alcohol into acetaldehyde, which causes nausea, headaches, and the other symptoms of a hangover. Next, acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) breaks down the acetaldehyde and helps you recover from your hangover. The researchers wanted to find the drinks that would accelerate the ALDH’s breakdown of acetaldehyde, and lead to less of a hangover. Here is the link to the actual study for those interested: http://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2013/fo/c3fo60282f#!divAbstract.

I have to give credit to the study, which actually tried to apply science to the field of hangovers. However, this study does not provide any evidence that club soda or Sprite is a cure for hangovers. My Bill Nye moment; for enzymes to work faster, there needs to be a catalyst, such as a vitamin or an electrolyte. There are no catalysts in either soda water or Sprite. In the end, I don’t think drinking Sprite or any other brand of pop is going to help your morning after. I would suggest sticking with a Bloody Mary.

A Guide to Visting Canada's Sin City

It’s exam season, and winter break is just around the corner. How are you going to relax once this is all over? “I’ve worked so hard for the past few weeks. I deserve an opportunity to travel over the break and develop some new cultural insights.” This is a line I recommend feeding your parents as an excuse to visit Canada’s Sin City (Montreal).

This post is a concise guide to Montreal, specifically to the nightlife and food. I’ve been there over ten times and I want to share my knowledge about the city that I’ve grown to love.  My parents put me in French immersion as a kid, and I would use this as an excuse to visit the city every year to “improve my language skills.”

You have to try a Montreal smoked meat sandwich if you’re in the city. I recommend Schwartz’s or Reuben’s Deli. My favorite place to go when I have a meat craving is Reuben’s Deli for the “Big Bang”. The name speaks for itself; it’s a pound of smoked meat on rye bread and a hulking portion of fries.

If you’re in the mood for something sweet and a little different you should try Léché Desserts. At Léché’s you can choose from a variety of gourmet donuts, from classics like Boston Cream or if you feel daring try the Maple bacon donut. A side effect of the Boston Cream is that it may ruin Tim Hortons donuts forever.

Let’s not forget about poutine. Nothing is better than a bed of crispy fries, with brown gravy and a handful of cheese curds. Canada’s gift to mankind, in hopes we can be forgiven for Justin Bieber. My go-to spot is the Orange Julep, which is open until 3 am every night that serves heart-stopping poutine and it’s famous “Orange Drank.” It is the ultimate drunk snack coming home from the bars.

The city seems designed for the morning after with an abundance of brunch places. Here is a list of the top 30 Montreal brunch restaurants: http://www.mtlblog.com/2014/05/top-30-montreal-boozy-brunch-restaurants/. My favorite brunch spot is the Eggspectation; there are multiple locations across the city. They have a majestic menu that offers everything from eggs benedict to burgers. I always go for the “Eggsuberant.” Two eggs, two pancakes, bacon, and potatoes served with a cup of coffee to get me back on my feet and ready for the day.

How do you get the hangover in the first place? Montreal has a bumping nightlife every single day of the week. It’s especially busy around the holiday season when students migrate to the city to celebrate New Years. My personal recommendation is to visit New City Gas, especially if you like Electric Dance Music (EDM). The venue is massive and there’s always a great DJ playing. Here is a site to help you get your night started: http://www.go-montreal.com/night.htm#.VGj0fr405-U. The best part about Montreal is it’s a guaranteed good time no matter where you go. Although it’s extremely cold, so don’t forget your jacket.

About Me

My nickname is “Panda.” I named the blog as a tribute to the Giant panda for the simple and ingenious way they live. A Giant panda spends between 10 to 16 hours a day eating and the rest of the time asleep. Life doesn’t get better than that J

My real name is Brendan Lee, and I am currently a student majoring in Psychology and Business at Western University in London, Ontario. I’m a nice guy who abides by a work hard, party hard mentality. I fill my free time with sports, food, and my friends. I’ve lived with seven roommates for three years that resulted in fun times, great memories (sometimes no memory), and the occasional hangover. Some of my experiences could be described as the bastard child of American Pie meets the Hangover.

It’s Sunday morning and you wake up with your head pounding and it’s time to get up. You need to make your way to the library or church… or realistically Sunday afternoon football. Sound familiar? My blog is a guide to deal with the morning after through food. I believe in the benefit of the three B’s: Breakfast, Brunch, and Beverages.

The Hungover Panda is my way of giving back to the place that developed me into the man-child I am today. I have years of accumulated wizdumb and I want to spread my knowledge to the future generation. Everyone deals with hangovers differently and the real cure lies in moderation, sleep, and water. But, writing about my experiences is way more fun!