Asparagus is a commonly eaten vegetable around the world and has a unique savory taste. Asparagus is rich in all essential nutrients and is full of health benefits. Including asparagus in diet provides us many health benefits like, to control depression, diabetes, urinary tract infections, cancer, helps to ease hangover and also beneficial for conceived women. Let us know a little more about this spring vegetable
Asparagus or garden asparagus is scientifically known as asparagus officinalis is a flowering perennial plant and is a member of lily family. Though it is now cultivated all over the world, but it is native to Europe, North Africa and also Western Asia. Asparagus is an old crop believed to be originated 2000 years age. It is available in different colors like white, green and purple. Young asparagus shoots are picked and eaten. Asparagus can be eaten raw or cooked and is a spring season veggie. Even though it is a spring season veggie, it is available year around.
Nutritional facts of Asparagus
As discussed earlier asparagus is a nutritional dense food. Asparagus are great source of several vitamins like vitamin a, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K and also vitamin B1, B2, B3 and B6. It also contains minerals like iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, potassium, Zinc and so on. Asparagus do not contain any fat or cholesterol and have very low amount of calories. Asparagus are very high in folic acid and are high source of dietary fiber. Asparagus improves digestion and controls sugar levels. It controls free radicals and have anti inflammatory and anti oxidant properties. It is treated as medicinal vegetable due to its health tips of Asparagus and other eating benefits of Asparagus and rich nutrients in it.
Health Benefits of Asparagus
Asparagus are very beneficial for our health due to their vitamins, minerals and proteins. Asparagus are one among the top 20 foods that improves our overall health. Here are few health benefits of Asparagus
- Asparagus are loaded with nutrients– Asparagus are loaded with all essential nutrients. They are the rich source of several vitamins like A, C, E, K and other vitamins like B1, B2, B3 and B6. Asparagus also contain fibre, calcium and several other required minerals like zinc, iron, potassium and so on.
- They contain antioxidant and anti inflammatory properties– Asparagus are one of the top foods with high anti inflammatory and anti oxidant properties which helps to protect cell damaging due to free radicals, these slow down the aging process and also reduce the risk of several chronic health disorders like heart diseases, stroke, type 2 diabetes and also cancer. Asparagus also helps to prevent many illnesses.
- Helps to fight cancer– Asparagus are rich in glutathione, which is a detoxifying compound that can help to break down carcinogens and free radicals. Glutathione improves immunity system and also helps to fight against different cancers like bone, lung, breast and also colon cancers.
- Boosts brain– The antioxidants present in asparagus helps to prevent brain diseases like cognitive decline. Folate found in asparagus works with vitamin B12 to prevent cognitive impairment.
- Acts as a natural diuretic– Asparagus are high in amino acid asparagines which act as natural diuretic. It increases the production of urine and helps to get rid of excess salt from our body. Asparagus is very beneficial for people suffering with edema and also to people suffering with hypertension and heart diseases. asparagus helps to prevent urinary tract infections.
- Improves digestion and helps in weight loss– Asparagus are especially high in water and fiber content which improves digestion, prevents constipation and also helps to reduce the risk of colon cancer.
Asparagus are low in fats, calories and are high in fiber. Fiber rich foods give us a feeling of fullness as they digest very slowly. Asparagus are very beneficial for people with obesity as it helps them in weight loss. Along with these high fiber in asparagus helps to improve immunity and helps to reduce the risk of heart diseases, stroke, diabetes and also controls cholesterol and also hypertension.
- Beneficial for conceived women– Asparagus are high in folic acid, which is very beneficial for conceived women. Folate content in asparagus helps to reduce the risk of neural tube defects. It is not only beneficial for conceived women but also important for women of child bearing age and for those who are planning for a baby. Folate also helps in producing RBC and DNA which are very helpful for the foetus.
- Contains vitamin E– Asparagus is also a great source of vitamin E which is again an important antioxidant. Vitamin E helps to improve immunity system and keep several illnesses away. Vitamin E is also very beneficial for skin and hair.
- High in vitamin K– Asparagus is a great source of vitamin K, which is very beneficial for bone health and also for coagulation i.e. which helps to stop haemorrhage after cut or injury. Along with calcium, vitamin K is also very crucial for bone health.
- Boosts mood and reduce the risk of depression– Asparagus contain folate which helps to boost mood. Along with folate, an amino acid called tryptophan in asparagus helps to improve your mood. Folate prevents excess formation of homocysteine and reduces depression. Along with improving mood it also helps to improve sleep and appetite.
- Prevents osteoporosis– Asparagus contain high amount of vitamin K which is very beneficial for improving bone health. Asparagus improves calcium absorption and helps to keep your bones and joints strong.
- Cures hangover– Asparagus are high in amino acids which are very effective in curing hangovers. Asparagus also helps to protect liver cells from toxins and affects in alcohol.
- Assist in eye care– Asparagus is rich in vitamin A which is important for vision. Amino acids present in asparagus helps to prevent eye problems like night blindness and cataracts. Anti oxidants present in asparagus helps to protect retina from damage.
Along with above benefits it also helps in controlling diabetes, improving fertility and also treats tuberculosis.
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