Asparagus Benefits | Asparagus Healing Properties and Precautions

Why Asparagus Is Awesome

Asparagus has high levels of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties which make it a good food to lower sugar levels and manage the effects of type 2 diabetes

Often called an aphrodisiac in the ages gone by, asparagus is a savoury vegetable tilled with essential nutrients that are wonderful for health. Asparagus is nutrient- rich and has high levels of vitamin K, fibre, chromium and folate. It is rich in antioxidants like beta carotene, vitamins E and C and minerals like selenium, zinc and manganese.

Asparagus contains chromium and asparagine, an amino acid that help insulin transport glucose from the bloodstreaminto the cells, It is also rich In a detoxifying compound called glutathione that helps destroy carcinogens and fight a few types of cancers. This vegetable Is low in sodium and calories and does not have any tat as well. It can be eaten cooked or in its raw form.

The Different Varieties

  • Green asparagus are British and American.
  • Purple asparagus comes from France and are smaller and fruitier in flavour and loaded with phtyochemicals and anthocyanins which provide their unique colour.
  • White asparagus comes from Spain and Netherlands. They are white in colour since these are grown away from the sunlight, making them deficient of the green pigment, chlorophyll.

Healing Properties

Lowers Risk Of Heart Problems
The vitamin K present In asparagus helps remove blood clots. Vitamin B also controls the levels of homocysteine, an amino acid, high levels of which are considered bad for the heart.

Lowers Sugar Levels
Asparagus has high levels of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties which make it a good food to lower sugar levels and manage the effects of type 2 diabetes.

Prevents Ageing
The presence of glutathione, an antioxidant in asparagus helps slow down the ageing process and also helps protect the skin from sun damage and pollution.

Combats Cognitive Decline
Asparagus helps our brains fight cognitive decline. And like leafy vegetables, asparagus delivers folate, which works with vitamin B 12 to help prevent cognitive impairment. Good sources of tolates are fish, poultry, meat and dairy.

Acts As A Natural Diuretic
This spring vegetable acts as a diuretic and helps the body get rid of excess salts and fluids. It is beneficial for people who suffer from oedema, which is the accumulation of body fluids in the body and also those with high blood pressure or other heart related diseases.

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Improves Digestion
Asparagus has high levels of protein and fibre which make it a good vegetable for digestion. It also contains a dietary fibre and pre-biotic known as inulin that helps improve digestion. This fibre only gets digested once it reaches the large intestine and leads to the growth of bacteria which in turn avoids the occurrence of allergies, improves the absorption of nutrients and also reduces the risk of colon cancer.

Lowers Cancer Risk
Anti-inflammatory and antioxidants found in asparagus help lower the risk of cancers. It is rich in glutathione, a detoxifying compound that helps destroy carcinogens. This vegetable therefore helps fight and protect against certain cancers, including bone, breast, lung and colon cancers.

Cures Hangovers
Extract from this vegetable contains essential amino acids that are effective in curing hangovers. A hangover refers to the unpleasant physiological effect due to substantial consumption of alcohol with symptoms like anxiety, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, dehydration etc. The leaves and shoots of asparagus contain a good amount of inorganic mineral content which aids in the protection of the liver cells from the toxic effects of alcohol.

Strengthens Immunity
Asparagus is a rejuvenator and a tonic for the nerves. It strengthens the immune system and helps in promoting overall physical and mental well-being.

Easy To Cook
Asparagus has a delicate flavour and can be eaten raw, grilled or roasted. It can also be added to pickles, salads and various soups. Asparagus requires minimal cooking and can therefore be added to anything that has to be cooked quickly.

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Precautions

Produces Gas
Asparagus contains a carbohydrate known as raffinose which in the process of breaking down for digestion often produces gas, subsequently released from the body.

Causes Allergies
This vegetable can cause allergies for those who are susceptible to reactions from onions, leeks, garlic etc.

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