Asparagus, an herbaceous, short, stout stemmed perennial plant. It was originally found in the western coast of Europe. Edible asparagus is a very notable adaptation. Among other benefits it has good nutritional and medicinal values. As early as the second century the beneficial properties of asparagus was cited by the Greek physician Galen. The tip of the asparagus boosts the finest texture with a very palatable disposition. Asparagus is widely found in Switzerland, Poland, France, Belgium, Spain, Germany and Italy. It requires peeling in order to be cooked or eaten raw. It grows best on saline soil where other plants cannot grow.
Benefits Of Asparagus
Packed with nutrients:
Asparagus is rich in dietary fiber, folate, chromium, vitamins A, C, E and K. The minerals found in asparagus increases the potential of the insulin to carry glucose from bloodstream to the body cells.
Helps reduce cancer:
Brussels sprouts, avocado and asparagus are famous for containing glutathione. Glutathione is the most important endogenous antioxidant manufactured by the cells in the body which enhances neutralizing the free radicals and helps in balancing the exogenous antioxidants such as vitamins C and E in their minimalist form. It contributes in breaking down carcinogens and other compounds that are detrimental to the body. This primarily is the reason why asparagus reduces the chances of cancer such as lung, breast, bone and colon cancer.
Asparagus has antioxidant properties:
Asparagus along with other fruits like blackberries, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, raisins, plums and vegetables like beet, onion, corn, eggplant, kale and spinach has strong antioxidant property. The cell damaging neutralizing properties of asparagus slows down skin from aging.
Presence of amino acid asparagines:
Amino acid asparagines in the asparagus help it become a natural diuretic, which increases the flow of urine thereby getting rid of excessive body salts.
Heart friendly:
Several nutrients in asparagus helps keep the heart in good condition. Fiber, vitamin B and other anti inflammatory substances are useful in keeping the heart in good shape. Type 2 diabetes also is reduced when asparagus is consumed due to the presence of the above mentioned nutrients.
Good for bone health:
Vitamin K in asparagus stimulates healthy blood clotting and it also fortifies bones.
Asparagus is a rich source of potassium:
Potassium is known for its beneficial contribution to human kidney. Consuming asparagus makes sure the kidney is functioning well and kidney stone is averted by it.
Natural laxative:
With all the high fiber content in the asparagus it helps regular bowel movements which keep us healthy and active throughout the day.
It is an aphrodisiac:
Thanks to its shape, an asparagus is considered to be a psycho-physiological aphrodisiac. Consuming asparagus psychologically impacts our minds to respond physiologically.
It is useful in preventing birth defects:
Folate being present in asparagus in abundance helps women who are pregnant or will conceive in the near future. Folate deficiency can be related to spinal cord birth defect and the syndrome is known as “spina befida”. Eating enough asparagus helps reduce such risk.
Read this Article in: Français (French)
