'Surepure' to make hangovers history

London (PTI): For long, people have searched for a magic cure to the headache, nausea, shaking, dry mouth and blurred vision associated with excessive drinking. Now, scientists have invented a new machine, which they claim will make hangovers history.

Headaches after drinking alcoholic beverages, such as wine, are usually caused by sulphites - sulphur dioxide added to the bottle to kill off unwanted microbes and yeasts as well as limit oxidation.

According to the scientists at L'Ormarins, a South African company, the machine works towards reducing greatly the volume of sulphites by using ultraviolet rays to do the job, The Times reported.

Known as 'Surepure', the technology also improves the taste of the drink in the process. It is being tested by many South African wine estates, including Steenberg, Alluvia and Stellar Organics, as well as winemakers in California, Chile, Australia and New Zealand.

According to Neil Patterson of L'Ormarins, a wine that is almost free of sulphites cannot come too soon. He has a sulphur intolerance causing blotchiness around his eyes and was looking for a solution before hearing about 'Surepure'.

"I'm lucky that I work for someone who is keen to embrace new technology. The use of sulphites in wine is a problem. It does control microbacterial activity and prevents oxidation but it also kills non-harmful elements, which can add to the taste and flavour of a wine.

"Using this technology we can cut down the need for sulphites and improve the quality of our wine," he said. Added Guy Kebble of 'Surepure': "We think this will change the way wine is made. It is a conservative industry but people's attitudes to sulphites and demands for a healthy diet and lifestyle are making winemakers look at alternatives."