Asparagus- 17 Amazing Health Benefits

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The health benefits of asparagus include fertility, relief from pre-menstrual syndrome, cancer, diabetes, hangover, cataract, rheumatism, tuberculosis, depression, neurodegenerative diseases, and convulsions. It also reduces urinary tract infections and blood cholesterol. It improves digestive health, is beneficial during pregnancy, helps in lowering levels of homocysteine in the body and maintains cardiovascular health.

What Is Asparagus?

Asparagus belongs to the family of lilies and is valued for its therapeutic properties. It is derived from a Greek word meaning ‘sprout.’ The medicinal effect of an asparagus plant extends from its root to shoot and its usage has been tested and proven scientifically as well as indigenous systems of medicine like Ayurveda and Unani.

Asparagus is normally available in white, green and purple colors. White asparagus is grown away from the sunlight, therefore, is deficient of the green pigment, chlorophyll. Purple asparagus is loaded with phytochemicals and anthocyanins which provide the unique color to the vegetable.

Asparagus Nutrition Facts

Asparagus is a nutrient-packed source of vitamins, minerals and essential proteins. Asparagus is rich in vitamin A, vitamin B1(thiamine), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B3 (niacin), vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), vitamin B6, folate, vitamin C, vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol), and vitamin K 9 phylloquinone).

The mineral treasures that are stored in asparagus include iron, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, zinc, selenium, and potassium. Asparagus contains a very low amount of calories with no cholesterol and is low in sodium as well. Along with this, it is also a rich source of dietary fiber, which is essential for the body.

Health Benefits of Asparagus

Maintains Homocysteine Level

An abundance of vitamin B in asparagus helps in maintaining healthy levels of homocysteine, which is produced in the blood when an amino acid (methionine) breaks down in the body. Vitamin B, especially folate, B6, and B12 are essential for converting homocysteine into cysteine, which then gets converted back to methionine as per the normal methylation cycle. Deficiency of vitamin B in the body can elevate the levels of homocysteine in the blood. Raised levels of homocysteine can pose a threat of serious ailments like the damage of blood vessels, venous thrombosis in which clotting of blood happens in the veins, and atherosclerosis, which can all further lead to cardiac disorders. In addition to this, vitamin B is also responsible for the metabolism of starches and sugars in the body and therefore helps in maintaining healthy levels of blood sugar.

Helps in Pregnancy

The high folate content in asparagus aids in reducing the danger of low birth weight and birth defects during pregnancy. Folate is essential for the neuronal growth of the fetus. It also helps in reducing the complication of edema or retention of water in the body tissues owing to its diuretic effect.

Fights PMS

An asparagus extract can be used effectively for easing pre-menstrual bloating. The presence of essential nutrients helps to combat depression and fatigue, as well as reduce menstrual cramps. Asparagus also helps in controlling blood loss and maintaining hormonal balance during menstruation.

Improves Fertility

The root of asparagus is widely appreciated in Ayurvedic therapy and is famously known as Shatavari, which means ‘one who has 100 husbands’. Shatavari has aphrodisiac properties and is used to regulate the hormones and cure male and female sexual disorders. It has anti-anxiety properties and helps in curing physical and mental debility in males. It also helps in enhancing the libido and boosts sperm count and its motility. In females, asparagus has been proven to be effective in menopausal syndrome and anemia. Research studies conducted on animals have demonstrated positive effects on the genitals and the mammary glands of the subject females who consumed adequate amounts of asparagus.

Improves Digestion

Asparagus contains significant quantities of the nutrient inulin. Inulin is a kind of complex carbohydrate that is commonly known as prebiotic. It does not get digested until it reaches the large intestine, where it is fed upon by a kind of good bacteria like Lactobacilli. This aids in the improved absorption of nutrients and the reduced risk of stomach cancer and allergies.

Asparagus is also a good provider of dietary fiber and has laxative properties that help in the smooth functioning of the bowels, keeping bloating and constipation at bay. Along with healthy digestion, fiber also helps in lowering the cholesterol levels of the body. Asparagus is widely recommended in Ayurvedic therapy for its effectiveness in curing diarrhea, dysentery, and dyspepsia, which is a feeling of abdominal uneasiness including burning sensations or navel pain occurring during or after eating. Studies have shown that asparagus has been proven to be just as effective as the commercially available modern drugs in treating dyspepsia

Fights Tumor

Asparagus contains a certain variety of phytonutrients known as saponins. Studies have demonstrated that the saponins obtained from asparagus possess anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties.

Along with the chemo-preventive efficiency, asparagus also helps in elevating the levels of glutathione, an antioxidant and a detoxifying compound which plays a major role in aging and helps in the prevention of many diseases like HIV, AIDS, cystic fibrosis, Alzheimer’s disease, anemia, cancer, diabetes, and various cardiac disorders.

Maintains Diabetes Level

The anti-inflammatory nutrients present in asparagus help in reducing the risk of chronic health ailments, including type 2 diabetes. This beneficial effect is also attributed to the presence of the mineral chromium, which plays a vital role in regulating the blood sugar levels of the body. Studies conducted in this regard have shown significant results and have proven that asparagus helps in keeping a check on blood sugar levels, improves insulin secretion, and provides an anti-diabetic effect.

Cures Hangovers

Asparagus extract contains essential amino acids that may prove effective in curing hangovers. A hangover refers to the unpleasant physiological effect caused due to substantial consumption of alcoholic drinks. Its symptoms include anxiety, fatigue, stomach disorders like nausea, vomiting, and dehydration. Research studies have demonstrated that leaves and shoots of asparagus contain a good amount of inorganic mineral content, which also aids in the protection of the liver cells from the toxic effects of alcohol

Eye Care

Asparagus is a source of vitamin A, which is essential for good vision. Due to the presence of antioxidants, it helps in defending the retina from the damage caused by the oxygen-free radicals. The presence of the amino acid glutathione in asparagus also helps in reducing the risk of eye ailments such as cataracts and night blindness.

Treats Rheumatism

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic condition that causes inflammation of the joints. Studies have shown that the consumption of folate-rich food like asparagus, which also possesses anti-inflammatory properties, may help relieve the pain and ease the overall poor functioning in the body associated with arthritis.

Rich in Flavonoids

Asparagus is also a rich source of a flavonoid that possesses anti-inflammatory properties and is used to treat hemorrhoids and prevent the clotting of blood. It also enhances the permeability of capillaries, strengthens the blood vessels and protects them from becoming fragile. The flavonoid in Asparagus also prevents the hardening of arteries by reducing the viscosity of blood and helps in easing hypertension, reducing cholesterol, and maintaining cardiovascular health.

Treats Tuberculosis

Asparagus is also known for its effectiveness in curing bronchitis and tuberculosis. It improves the efficiency of the functioning of lung tissues and helps in treating throat infections as well.

Treats Neurodegenerative Diseases

Neurodegenerative diseases are genetic or periodic conditions affecting the neurons of the human brain. The body does not normally have the ability to replace the damaged neurons. Studies have provided evidence that asparagus is effective in treating neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s diseases. These beneficial effects are attributed to the presence of phytoestrogens in asparagus that has certain neuroprotective effects.

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Acts as Anti-depressant

Scientific research has shown the efficacy of asparagus as an anti-anxiety and anti-depressant drug. It helps in enhancing the memory, increases the production and secretion of estrogen, and has a revitalizing and calming effect on the nervous system.

Cures Symptoms of Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a chronic disorder that affects the brain and leads to recurrent convulsions or seizures. The brain transmits abnormal signals as a result of irreversible changes in the brain tissues. The roots of asparagus can be used as an anti-epileptic and helps in curing the symptoms of epilepsy.

Treats Urinary Tract Infections

Research studies show that asparagus helps to cure urinary tract infections. Due to the vegetable’s diuretic properties, consumption of asparagus increases the frequency and volume of urination. This helps to detoxify and flush the toxic waste out of the body. According to the research, this can be attributed to the presence of antioxidants and essential vitamins C and E.

Asparagus is also known to give a peculiar, pungent smell to the urine, which is completely normal. This is because asparagus breaks down its constituents of ammonia and sulfur into volatile chemical compounds that actually help the body to detoxify.

Maintains Blood Cholesterol Level

The wealth of antioxidants in asparagus has the potential to treat oxidative stress, along with other disorders such as hyperlipidemia and hypercholesterolemia. These diseases indicate the presence of high fat and cholesterol content in the body, which can further pose a major threat for fatal conditions like cardiovascular diseases and atherosclerosis.

Culinary Uses of Asparagus

Asparagus has a delicate flavor and can be eaten raw, grilled, or roasted. It can be added as an ingredient to pickles, salad recipes, and various soups. The shoots of the asparagus plant are relished as an appetizer and are prepared in many different ways around the world. Asparagus requires minimal cooking, which gave birth to a famous Roman saying, “As quick as cooking asparagus”, for anything that has to be done quickly.

A Few Words of Caution

Asparagus offers an immense range of health benefits with a few exceptions, which are listed below.

Gas: Asparagus contains a carbohydrate known as raffinose. In order to digest this complex sugar, the human body needs to ferment it. During this process of breaking down the carbohydrate, gas is often produced and subsequently released from the body.
Pregnancy and Lactation: Asparagus alters the hormonal balance and has been traditionally used for birth control. During pregnancy and lactation, it is usually considered safe to consume a normal amount of asparagus, but not to opt for medicinal doses without consulting a doctor.
Allergic Reactions: Asparagus can cause allergies to those who are susceptible to allergic reactions to onions, leeks, and other members of the lily family.
Kidney stones: Asparagus contains purines. Purines break down to create uric acid which can accumulate as a result of a high purine content in the body. This is not favorable for people suffering from uric acid-related complications such as gout or kidney stones. It is recommended to avoid or restrict the intake of purine dense foods like asparagus for patients of those conditions.

Asparagus rejuvenates and acts as a tonic for the nerves. It is also useful in conditions like acne, jaundice, and leprosy. It strengthens the immune system and helps in promoting overall physical and mental well-being. Enjoy!

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