Benefits of Asparagus

Asparagus health benefits includes maintaining the level of homocysteine, protecting the blood vessels, regulating the blood sugar level, enhancing the skin, alleviating menstrual symptoms, improve fertility, cures hangover and support better eyesight. Other benefits includes reducing inflammation caused by rheumatism, preventing tuberculosis, reducing the risk of neurodegenerative disease, treating symptoms of epilepsy, increasing cell production, lowering cholesterol levels, and increasing energy level

Asparagus has a high nutritional value and a good source of important minerals and vitamins that are imperative to the body’s cellular and metabolic functions. It holds a rather impressive nutritional value that includes folate, potassium, and others as well. It improves many of the body’s functions such as cardiovascular, reproductive and immune-related as well.
 

The scientific name of this vegetable is Asparagus officinalis, and its wide use in treatments is the reason for its popularity in this field of medicine. The derivation of its name is a Greek term which means ‘sprout’ and variations of the species number up to almost 300.

It is available in different colors, and the reason for this is the difference in growing methods. Mostly seen as green, its variations also include white and purple. While white asparagus lacks chlorophyll because it is grown in the dark, the purple variation is rich in phytochemicals which are the cause of the vibrant color.



The wide availability of fast food has made diets unhealthy and unbalanced all over the world. This is a major reason why dieticians and physicians constantly stress the importance of eating vegetables regularly by including them in your diet. This is because the essential minerals and nutrients that they provide are instrumental to the body’s processes.  Asparagus is packed with essential minerals and nutrients which are beneficial to the health. Here are some of the health benefits
 

Asparagus contains various B vitamins that are important for maintaining adequate levels of the homocysteine hormone. This is produced by the blood whenever amino acids are broken down in the body. These vitamins also help in converting homocysteine into cysteine as part of a normal methylation cycle with takes place in the body.
 

Asparagus is a good source of B vitamins without which one is in danger of suffering from a deficiency. A deficiency can cause elevated levels of homocysteine in the blood which pose a risk of damaging the blood vessels. There is also a risk of developing other cardiovascular disorders such as venous thrombosis and atherosclerosis.
 

The soluble fiber and antioxidants packed with asparagus can prevent the risk of type-2 diabetes. Soluble fiber regulates the amount of glucose that is absorbed within the intestine. The antioxidants help in reducing the inflammation that is associated with diabetes. Asparagus also contains minerals that directly affect the pancreatic cells that are in charge of regulating insulin secretion.
 

The niacin in asparagus is a compound which can get rid of the most severe cases of acne. It also aids in reducing irritation and redness that is caused by acne scars. The antioxidants it contains are capable of fighting harmful radicals that wreak havoc in the body and cause the skin cells to age quickly.
 

Premenstrual syndrome, cramps, and mood swings are all uninvited guests that accompany a woman’s monthly menstrual period. The Vitamin K and Calcium content in asparagus are exceptional and can alleviate these symptoms. While vitamin K combats painful cramps by reducing excessive clotting of blood, calcium aids in reducing bloat, headaches and sudden change of mood.
 

The vitamin E contained in asparagus has been found to improve sex cells within the bodies of both males and females. It helps in thickening the uterine lining, readying it for plantation and also keeps sperm cells healthy by lipid peroxidation.
 

Symptoms of a hangover include nausea, fatigue, exhaustion and dehydration which can be cured by a serving of asparagus. The leaves and shoot of the sprout can help in reducing the toxicity in the liver that occurs after excessive alcohol consumption as well.
 

Asparagus contains essential B vitamins that are helpful in retaining healthy eyesight. Studies have found that this group of vitamins has properties that allow them to prevent macular degeneration effectively is associated with age. There is also evidence of its ability to prevent cataracts from forming in the eye.
 

Rheumatic arthritis is highly common among seniors, and it is characterized by inflammation, joint pain and inhibited movement. Niacin is often prescribed to reduce this pain, but an intake of asparagus can provide the necessary amount without inducing harmful side effects that medication does. Its properties also help in reducing the swelling and aching of the joints.
 

Caused by infectious bacteria that target the lungs, tuberculosis gives births to symptoms such as vomiting, fatigue and even coughing blood. The roots of asparagus are helpful in treating lung-related diseases such tuberculosis and bronchitis.
 

Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s or dementia can be extremely stressful not only for the sufferer but their family as well. An addition of asparagus to one’s diet can lessen the risks of developing such a disease because of the folate content that it contains. It plays a role in producing serotonin as well, which is important to ensure proper cognitive and behavioral development.
 

The main symptoms of the neurological disease epilepsy are the painful seizures. The spasms that are suffered by the individual are very painful and limit the control that they have on their body. Asparagus has been treated like an herbal remedy for epileptic seizures, and this use is dated back to the tribal communities that knew of this benefit.
 

The copper in asparagus helps in the crucial process of oxygenating the blood, and a disruption in the process is what causes stunted growth and slow metabolism. An intake of asparagus can fight off improper oxygenation of red blood cells and reduce the symptoms of malnourishment.
 

The dietary fiber and niacin in asparagus can help in reducing levels of harmful cholesterol. An intake of the sprout can improve blood profile and lead to lower risks or cardiovascular disease as a result.
 

The magnesium content in asparagus can help in keeping you energetic and alert for longer periods of time without resulting in fatigue. An increased metabolism is also a result of intake of asparagus which can boost physical performance.