LONDON: Suffering from a hangover? Well, then just take a bite of sliced cactus.

A new study has revealed that eating the prickly plant before boozing prevents post-alcohol sickness and headaches.

Researchers at the Tulane University, New Orleans say that the cactus' atypical carbohydrates obstruct the gut absorbing too many sugars.

"Many of the health benefits of cactus are related to its water-retaining properties," The Sun quoted lead researcher Prof Tony Blake, as saying.

"It is a good source of vitamins A, B, C and K and contains many essential minerals," he added.