Asparagus may help prevent cancer, help you lose weight, and maybe improve your cognitive function.
Despite being a year-round food, asparagus is most abundant in the spring. It's ideal to consume asparagus as soon as possible after purchasing it fresh from a farmer’s market or grocery shop. Think of peas, garlic, or young potatoes as some of the many wonderful springtime veggies and tastes that go well with asparagus.
These vegetable spears are a fantastic source of fiber, vitamin C, and folate and are jam-packed with nutrients. It is also a great source of vitamin K, which is necessary for good blood coagulation and bones. Notably, asparagus also includes chromium, a trace mineral that may improve insulin's capacity to carry glucose from the bloodstream into cells. If you're keeping an eye on your blood sugar levels, this is excellent news.
1. Could aid in lowering blood pressure
Potassium, an essential component for maintaining the health and function of your heart, bones, kidneys, and nerves, is found in asparagus. You might be shocked to hear that this stalky vegetable also contains asparaptine, a chemical that may aid in enhancing blood flow and thereby decreasing blood pressure.
2. May be able to fight cancer
Along with avocado, kale, and Brussels sprouts, this herbaceous plant is a particularly abundant source of glutathione, a detoxifying substance that aids in the breakdown of carcinogens and other toxic substances like free radicals. Because of this, eating asparagus may help ward against and combat some cancers, including bone, breast, colon, throat, and lung cancer.
3. Rich with antioxidants
One of the best vegetables for combating cellular-damaging free radicals is asparagus. Asparagus may aid in reducing inflammation and slowing the aging process together with other other anti-aging nutrients.
4. Brain booster
This delicious spring vegetable may also help our brains fend against cognitive loss, which is another anti-aging benefit. As with leafy greens, asparagus provides folate, which, together with vitamin B12, which is present in fish, poultry, meat, and dairy, lowers the risk of cognitive impairment. As your body's capacity to absorb B12 declines with age, if you are 50 or older, be sure you are receiving enough of it. Discover the finest nutrients to keep your brain youthful and anti-aging foods.
5. Natural diuretic
Asparagus is rich in asparagine, an amino acid that acts as a natural diuretic by promoting urine and assisting the body in eliminating excess salt. People with edema (a buildup of fluid in the bodily tissues), high blood pressure, or other heart-related conditions can benefit most from this.
Asparagus is a vegetable that is very nourishing and has a lot of positive health effects. They provide taste, texture, and color to your meals whether you prefer eating the ordinary green spears or the vivid purple or white varieties.
AA I Floricel N. Denopol, RND
References:
Asparagus: Health Benefits, Nutrition Facts, and How to Prepare It
https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-asparagus
Top 5 health benefits of asparagus
https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/health-benefits-asparagus
These Asparagus Health Benefits Make Stinky Pee Totally Worth It
https://www.shape.com/healthy-eating/diet-tips/asparagus-health-benefits