8 Health Benefits Of Asparagus

In addition to being delicious and versatile, the benefits of asparagus are many. Do you know them? The best time to consume them is during the spring. In those months we can see them in stores in their two varieties (white and green).

We tell you everything you need to know about them in this article.

Asparagus characteristics

It is the main stem of a plant called Aspargus Officinalis, which can be up to one and a half meters tall. It belongs to the family of leeks, onions and chives, although they are not alike in shape or taste.

Today this vegetable is grown in temperate regions and its main producers are Italy, Germany and France. Although greenhouses and cold rooms allow us to have vegetables all year round, the best time to consume asparagus is spring. In the other months you can enjoy them in the form of preserves, for example.

A little history

Green asparagus is native to the Mediterranean Sea area, near the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. In ancient Egypt and Greece it was used as food and as an offering for the gods. It was the Romans who popularized this plant due to its medicinal properties and took it throughout Europe.

With the decline of the Roman Empire, the consumption of this vegetable dropped dramatically. However, in the 12th century they regained fame for their qualities in gastronomy. Already in the seventeenth century asparagus became one of the foods most consumed by the bourgeoisie and the upper classes of society.

Until the 19th century, the only type of asparagus that was known was the green one. However, thanks to a change in the way of cultivation (underground) the white variety emerged. The difference is related to how much contact with the sun the plant has (green is due to chlorophyll).

What are the benefits of asparagus?

According to this article by the Spanish Nutrition Foundation, asparagus have many vitamins, especially green ones. This bud used since ancient times is recommended for its different benefits. Find out what they are below:

1. It is diuretic

Being composed mostly of water, it facilitates the elimination of liquids.

• It is recommended in people with retention, edema or kidney problems, according to this study carried out by the University of Faisalabad, as well as with hypertension, according to this study carried out by the University of Hokaido.
• It also provides asparaguine, which induces the production of urine.
• It has no natural sodium and therefore does not increase the typical swelling during PMS.

2. It is laxative

Another benefit of asparagus for our health is related to its ability to regulate intestinal transit due to the fiber present in its composition. This is stated in this study carried out by the National University of Pusan ​​(Korea).

• Avoid, treat, or prevent constipation, hemorrhoids, diverticula in the colon, and irritable bowel syndrome.
• Fiber, in turn, has other properties, such as, for example, contributing to the reduction of cholesterol and promoting the breakdown of sugars in the blood. This study carried out by Hospital La Fuenfría emphasizes this.

3. It is an antioxidant

A dish that includes asparagus can be much more effective than any beauty treatment. This is because this green or white vegetable provides many antioxidants that  have the ability to neutralize the effects of free radicals, as stated in this study carried out by the University of Concepción. 

• These attack cells and cause aging.

• In turn, it has beta-carotene, which benefits the health of the skin, according to this study carried out by the Technological Institute of Veracruz (Mexico).

4. Supports cognitive function

Another benefit of asparagus is that they have a good dose of folic acid. This nutrient is responsible not only for improving the health of pregnant women and helping the fetus in its development, but also has beneficial effects on the brain, as stated in this study carried out by the University of Chile.

• This vegetable, therefore, reduces the risks of suffering from cognitive decline, but it is also believed  to help you fall asleep, fight insomnia and treat depression. However, there is no scientific evidence to support it.

5. It is very nutritious

Within the nutritional composition of asparagus we can highlight that it has vitamins A, C, E and K. It also contains chromium, trace elements, fiber and folic acid.

• Consuming it on a regular basis provides the body with many essential nutrients for its functioning.

6. It is recommended for bones

People over 50 years old (especially women who are in the menopausal stage) and children under 5 years old should consume more asparagus than others.

• Why? Because thanks to the vitamin K that it provides, your bones will be stronger and healthier and fractures will be avoided. This is stated by the information obtained from the National Library of Medicine of the United States.
• Whether due to osteoporosis or osteoarthritis, the skeletal system in old age weakens.
• In the case of the little ones, it can help them grow and develop normally.
• Thanks to this vegetable, the osteocalcin protein (located in the bone tissue) will be able to do your job correctly.

7. Is it slimming?

If we are dieting to lose weight, we cannot stop including asparagus in our meal plan.

• One cup (200 g) of this vegetable has very few calories.
• It also has fiber that prevents constipation and promotes the elimination of toxins.
• And, as if all that were not enough, it satisfies the appetite, so it prevents us from consuming food due to anxiety, depression or boredom.

8. It is antiviral

Finally, another of the benefits of asparagus is related to its contribution of nutrients that favor the immune system, according to this research conducted by the Hislop School of Biotechnology, (India). They are ideal, then, to prevent colds, flu or any viral or bacterial disease.

The benefits of asparagus are many. Therefore, do not forget to include it in your dishes and make the most of them, while enjoying its flavor.