Five common wine myths debunked

There has been a spate of reports demonstrating the health benefits of the odd glass of wine - as long as you keep within the recommended alcohol units. In the past, a correlation between red wine and lower rates of heart disease had been recognised but scientists were unsure as to why this should be the case. Now, research by the London School of Medicine suggests polyphenols, chemicals found in grapes, can decrease the production of endothelin-1 (ET-1), a protein involved in the early stages of artery disease.

5. Wine gives you the worst hangovers
Some people find that wine brings on terrible hangovers. Believe me, try a few shots of tequila and you'll be longing for the dull thump bought on by too much wine. The bad news is that if you drink enough of any alcohol, then a stonking headache the next day is unavoidable.

While abstinence is the only sure-fire way to avoid hangovers, there are ways to lessen the debilitating effects of that last glass. Water helps avoid the headache, and sugar can lesson the shakes. If all else fails, and you're feeling extremely brave (or desperate) you could always try the following remedy based on the famous 1920s hangover cure:

The Prairie Oyster

Ingredients:
35-50ml vodka (optional)
1 whole egg
80ml tomato juice (or V-8)
Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco sauce, salt and black pepper to taste

Directions:
Mix all the ingredients together and then add the egg (which should be swallowed whole). If made without alcohol, place ingredients in a shot glass and swallow all at once. (Note: raw eggs may contain salmonella.)