Asparagus — a member of the lily family – comes from the Greek word meaning “shoot” or “sprout.” Now widely cultivated throughout the world, this regal vegetable is believed to have originated 2,000 years ago in the eastern Mediterranean region, where it was prized for its unique texture and alleged medicinal and aphrodisiacal qualities.
Asparagus spears grow from a crown planted in sandy soils and, under ideal conditions, can grow 10 inches in a 24-hour period. The most common types are green, but you might see two others in supermarkets and restaurants: white, which is more delicate and difficult to harvest, and purple, which is smaller and fruitier.
This giant veggie is one of the most nutritionally well-balanced vegetables
Amazing Health Benefits of Asparagus
One of the amazing health benefits of Asparagus is that the vegetables is high in folic acid and a good source of potassium, fiber, thiamin, and vitamins A, B6, and C. A 5-ounce serving provides 60% of the RDA for folic acid and is low in calories.
You can enjoy this veggie raw or with minimal preparation, which the Romans seemed to appreciate. They had a saying, “As quick as cooking asparagus,” for something done rapidly.
It is a Rich Source of Fiber
Lots of fibers are present in asparagus, this help to improve the functions of the digestive system because it helps in the movement of food through the gastrointestinal tract. It prevents digestive problems and disorders and also reduces the risks of heart disease.
Soluble fibers present in asparagus dissolves in the body and forms a sticky and gluey mass which helps in trapping excess fats, bacteria, sugars, toxins and other wastes and expels them out of the body.
It slows down digestion because it attracts water and turns it into a gel, this helps one lose weight because it will keep you feeling full for a long time and it prevents indigestion, constipation, and other digestive system problems.
Fiber also cuts the risk of type II diabetes; insoluble fiber acts as a sponge that scrubs the digestive tract and its lining. It eliminates toxins, mucoid plaque, and other harmful substances.
Fiber supplies organic acids in the body and the body uses them as sources of fuel and fiber also serve as food for probiotics, the healthy and beneficial bacteria in the gut. It also boosts the functions of the liver and detoxifies the body of toxins, harmful microbes and pathogens and it controls the levels of cholesterol and sugar in the bloodstream.
Regular intake of fiber reduces the risk of many chronic diseases like colon cancer, stroke, coronary heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, obesity and gastrointestinal problems.
It Aids a Healthy Pregnancy
Asparagus supports and maintains a healthy pregnancy, this has been proven by studies and researches. It contains folate, an important nutrient for women of childbearing age.
Middle-aged women and women of childbearing age are supposed to have lots of folate in their bodies because it reduces the risks of neural-tube defects in fetuses.
Folate also works along with other nutrients present in asparagus like vitamins C and B12 to help the body break down and utilize proteins.
Folate is very much needed in the formation of new red blood cells, it helps in the production of DNA, the molecule responsible for building the body and also for carrying genetic information.
It is a Natural Diuretic
The combination of unique nutrients and phytochemicals present in asparagus makes this herb a wonderful diuretic. It increases the production of urine in the kidneys and this helps eliminate excess water, toxins, salt and waste products from the body.
They use asparagus with lots of fluids for “irrigation therapy”. This expels all kinds of wastes and toxins through the urine. This herb is helpful for people suffering from edema, the accumulation of fluids in tissues of the body.
It naturally high blood pressure and other chronic diseases and conditions related to the heart. It treats urinary tract infections (UTI), and other diseases affecting the urinary tract that causes inflammation, swellings, and pains.
