Asparagus
This extraordinary vegetable is the gift of the spring, rich with the fresh flavours and high amounts of minerals and vitamins. Whilst they are in season everyone should enjoy locally grown asparagus. As the would say in the fashion world, asparagus is the ‘must have’, low in calories but rich in taste and health benefits – the uniting word is asparagus.
Antioxidants
Spring comes with cleaning the house, garden and the body. Although the liver is usually able to deal with detoxifying the body with no special treatments, asparagus will definitely contribute to a diet with the aim of enhancing health. Extracts of asparagus boost the functions of liver even more and help to metabolise toxic compounds. This property might even help dealing with a hangover. Antioxidants will enhance the elimination of ethanol from body and protect cells against oxidative stress. Therefore asparagus might prevent liver failure. Silibinin might be responsible for this and might help to treat liver cirrhosis and prevent prostate cancer aswell as slow down gallstone development.
Different antioxidants also prevent and cure inflammation of gums and enhance general oral health. They also cut down the excess cholesterol in blood thus enhancing the cardiovascular health and preventing heart disease. Antioxidant properties are also associated with prevention of diabetes and cancer.
Asparagus are paced with different types of vitamin B. The dietary intake of this complex has a role in stroke prevention. Especially B6 is responsible for the synthesis of neurotransmitters which are vital for brain function thus might increase the vividness of dreams. Lowering risks of Parkinson’s disease are also added to the list. In early pregnancy women might also be advised to intake B6 to lower the nausea and vomiting. B9 known also as folate contributes to a healthy pregnancy too and prevents birth defects. However it is important to get B complex vitamins from food as supplements might cause adverse effects at high levels.
Also some benefits of eating garlic are related to the Selenium presence. Alongside with prevention of prostate cancer the benefits of selenium are exploited in skin care products. There are also been researches linking Selenium intake with HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment. This aspect still remains though under further research and discussion.
Fibre
At last but not least asparagus are very rich in dietary fibre. It is no news that fibre enhances bowel movement thus has a cleansing effect of the GI tract. This property is associated with prevention of colon cancer and prevention of diabetes. Digestive enzymes work much harder when in contact with rich fibre foods thus there might be enhancement of the body’s metabolism.
Wide range of minerals and vitamins
Osteoporosis might also be prevented by asparagus eating as they are rich in vitamin K. It also has a major role in blood coagulation. Other vitamins present are A,C and E but minerals – Potassium, Iron, Manganese, Magnesium, Phosphorus and Zinc. Read more about these minerals in the article on benefits of eating dates.
By the way…
Probably one of the most heard ingredients present in asparagus is Asparagine (Aspartic acid) –a not-essential amino acid. This means that we produce Asparagine in the body enough to maintain healthy nervous system. Therefore this substance from Asparagus is secreted without absorption in the body. Its metabolism though creates another substance – ammonia and several sulphate compounds, which in high amounts produce an unpleasant smell of the urine. Depending on genetics some people are able to smell it and others not.
The benefits of eating asparagus are:
- Enhance metabolism
- Prevent diabetes
- Prevent cancer development
- Lower risks of osteoporosis
- Enhance blood coagulation
- Contribute to a healthy pregnancy
- Enhance brain activity
- Prevent Parkinson’s and Stroke
- Protect and enhance liver health
- Lessen hangover
- Enhance bowel movement
- Contribute to skin’s health
- Help the growth of muscles
- Anti-inflammatory effects
- More benefits of eating vegetables
I love aspargaus and am totally sold on adding it to my diet… any serving suggestions / recipes that you could recommend? I never know what to do with it!
Asparagus usually is part of mild, light dishes. It goes well together with salmon and chicken. From risottos, pasta, stir-fries and salads to soups, asparagus can be used everywhere. The art lies in choosing good quality(not too old thus woody)produce. Overcooking also disadvantages the taste and texture. You want to have asparagus crunchy not soggy therefore try to boil asparagus for maximum of 3 minutes.
I had no idea that it lessened hangovers! Wish I had known that back in college. Apparently, I don’t have the gene for smelly asparagus pee. I just learned about the smell a couple of years ago when my girlfriends were talking about it. They thought I was weird because I didn’t know what they were talking about. Great article!
I love asparagus so it’s good to know all this!
What are the most spicy style asparagus recipes to eat as starters. Request to share recipe on it please!