As a former party enthusiast, I can say there’s nothing quite as unpleasant as waking up after a lively, hazy night feeling both remorseful and dizzy.
Since I adopted a sober-curious mindset about a year ago, I reserve the tequila sodas for more significant occasions. However, many of my friends continue to drink regularly. So when I came across claims that Korean pear juice might help stave off hangovers, I was eager to try some and share it with my friends.
Let me introduce you to Brett, 26: He enjoys drinking on weekends and suffers from intense hangovers—the kind that makes your head feel like Humpty Dumpty took a tumble (his description, not mine). Brett was enthusiastic about being my test subject, sampling Korean pear juice before going out, hoping it could lessen the repercussions.
But before revealing the outcomes of our little test, let’s explore what Korean pear juice is and the reasoning behind its advertisement as a remedy for hangovers.
Understanding Korean Pear Juice
Korean pear juice is derived from Korean pears, also referred to as Asian pears, which feature a firmer, apple-like texture compared to the varieties most commonly found in grocery stores.
“Unlike the more widely known European or American pear juices, which can be quite thick and syrupy, Korean pear juice is usually lighter and crisper, mirroring the texture of the fruit,” explains dietitian Lauren Manaker, RDN. “This unique texture results in a juice that is more hydrating and less acidic.”
Brett described the pear juice as resembling a fruity sports drink. “I’d consider drinking this on a hot day or after a sports event,” he mentioned.
From a nutritional standpoint, though, pear juice doesn’t seem to surpass established sports drinks that provide essential electrolytes. “Pear juice offers hydration but is deficient in important electrolytes such as sodium and potassium, which can be severely depleted after drinking,” warns Claire Rifkin, MS, RDN, a women’s health dietitian based in New York City, and founder of the telehealth practice Claire Rifkin Nutrition. It’s important to understand that dehydration can lead to an electrolyte imbalance, which contributes to those unwelcome headaches and dizziness after a night out.
The Scientific Perspective
Interestingly, the buzz around Korean pear juice in relation to hangover prevention stems from one very limited study.
A study published in Food and Chemical Toxicology, involved 14 young men who consumed alcohol 30 minutes after taking either Korean pear juice or a placebo. Those who consumed the pear juice seemed to experience milder hangover effects compared to those who had the placebo, particularly among specific genetic types. Additionally, the juice appeared to assist in reducing the participants’ blood alcohol content. Researchers attribute this effect to the natural enzymes and antioxidants in the juice, which aid in alcohol metabolism.
Along with this small human study, some limited research on rats indicates that Korean pear juice can enhance alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), the enzyme responsible for breaking down alcohol, while also lowering blood alcohol levels.
Considering these findings, it seems reasonable to assume that consuming a glass of Korean pear juice beforehand could potentially lead to a milder hangover the next day, right? Not so fast. It’s essential to approach these conclusions with the same caution as you would when taking a tequila shot: with considerable skepticism.
Can Korean Pear Juice Really Avert Hangovers?
“I think I might be in hell,” Brett messaged the group chat on Sunday. Spoiler alert: Korean pear juice didn’t work for Brett.
He tried the juice multiple times before drinking. The specific brand he used, Bae Juice, advised consumption prior to the first alcoholic beverage. Unfortunately, the pear juice couldn’t counteract the effects of several rounds of beer, seltzers, and Irish car bombs.
The day after, Brett suffered from his usual hangover symptoms—headache, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting—without any discernible improvements.
Image Source: Roman Debree / Shutterstock
