Eat the rich and spare yourself the punishment of the morning after?
There’s no fresher hell than a hangover, and despite an enduring demand and desperate need, beyond sobriety, there is no commercially available, scientifically proven treatment for the booze-induced condition.
While no holy grail of meal or drink can kick a hangover, certain foods are better for refueling than others — and some experts say a caviar cure may be the best and bougiest among them.
Caviar, made from the cured unfertilized eggs of sturgeon, is rich in both price point and health benefits.
“Caviar is a great source of high-quality protein, healthy fats, and essential micronutrients. It’s especially prized for its omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart, brain, and joint health,” registered dietitian nutritionist and author Lisa R. Young, PhD told The Post.
She noted that it’s also an excellent source of Vitamin B12, essential for energy and red blood cell production, as well as choline, which helps detoxify the liver.
Additionally, caviar contains selenium, iron, magnesium, and vitamin D, all of which support immune, bone, and metabolic health.
Due to this hearty nutritional profile, investing in a tin of fish confetti before or after a night of drinking can pay off.
“Caviar can be enjoyed before or after drinking to help buffer alcohol’s effects,” Young said.
“Caviar’s healthy fats and high-quality protein help slow alcohol absorption when eaten beforehand. After drinking, its rich B12 content may help replenish depleted nutrients and support liver function and energy metabolism. The salty nature of caviar can also help rebalance electrolytes lost from dehydration.”
To make the most of this resurrection by roe, Young recommends pairing caviar with hard-boiled eggs to double down on protein and choline levels, adding avocado for extra healthy fats, and serving caviar with whole-grain crackers for added fiber.
Which type of caviar is best for you?
Golden Goat Caviar ambassador Betsy Gentry — who calls the delicacy a “nutritional powerhouse” — noted the nutritional value varies from species to species.
“Factors like egg size, content, and habitat all play roles in subtle but meaningful differences,” she explained.
“Kaluga tends to have larger, richer eggs with higher omega-3 concentrations, while Siberian Sturgeon offers a more balanced profile. Differences in feed, water quality, and processing methods can also affect everything from sodium levels to micronutrient content.”
Due to their high bioavailability of nutrients and slightly lower sodium content, Gentry said that Siberia and Ossetra are the best bet for overall wellness.
In the name of research, I tried caviar as a pre-party prophylactic, and the next morning, after more than the recommended number of drinks, I woke up feeling no worse for the wear, though notably poorer for my prevention tactics.
Both experts agree that quality and quantity are crucial for maximizing health benefits.
“Given its sodium content and rich fat profile, moderation is key with caviar. Some types may contain added preservatives, so check labels if you’re sensitive to additives,” said Young.
A word to the wise
Gentry advises those with high blood pressure or heart disease to exercise particular caution when indulging as because too much “could potentially contribute to high levels of triglycerides and cholesterol.”
Poor-quality or unregulated caviar also carries a risk of heavy metal or pollutant contamination; however, Gentry notes that high-caliber caviar is unpasteurized, gluten-free, and contains no fillers, binders or artificial additives.
Gentry says those hoping to treat or prevent a hangover may want to opt for a slightly larger portion, what she calls a “mound.”
According to Young, a bump or mound is roughly the amount of caviar we should be consuming, as a serving of 1 to 2 tablespoons is enough to reap the benefits.
While caviar is traditionally paired with champagne, a hangover culprit, Gentry says the delicacy also complements an array of nonalcoholic beverages.
“Sparkling water or cucumber-infused water can help cleanse the palate between bites or bumps, and an nonalcoholic Bloody Mary with its spicy notes creates a contrast to caviar’s briny and rich texture,” she said
Whether taken the night before or the morning after, the viral cortisol mocktail, when coupled with caviar, “adds additional vitamins and nutrients for a supercharged healthy combination.”
In addition to bringing you back to life after a bender, caviar can also be excellent for replenishing after exercise, according to Gentry.
“Caviar is a great post-workout snack due to its high protein content and electrolytes, which aid in muscle recovery and rehydration. It also contains omega-3 fatty acids that can help reduce exercise-induced inflammation,” she said.
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