Asparagus Benefits – 9 Health Benefits Of This Spring Veggie

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Asparagus, known officially as Asparagus officinalis, belongs to the lily family. It comes in a different variety if colors, like green, white, as well as purple. People around the world include it in their meals since it is low in calories, and has a great number of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, according to Healthline.

As research suggests, this veggie is packed with vitamins such as A, C, E, K, and B6. It also contains folate, iron, copper, calcium, protein, and fiber. This means that asparagus benefits are plentiful and various. However, whenever you buy this veggie, it’s best if you eat it right away. It goes well with other spring vegetables such as peas, garlic, or even new potatoes.

According to sources, 1 cup of cooked asparagus has 40 calories, 4 grams of protein, 4 grams of fiber, and 404 milligrams of potassium.

Asparagus Benefits

Some of the benefits of this spring veggie are:

1. Can Help With Weight Loss

Asparagus is low in fat and calories, as research suggests, and it contains a lot of soluble and insoluble fiber, meaning it’s a good choice when trying to lose weight. Taking into consideration that your body digests fiber slowly, it will keep you full between meals.

It is also suggested you eat asparagus with a hard-boiled egg. That’s because the combination of the fiber-rich asparagus with the protein from the egg will be a good mix.

2. Helps Your Urinary Tract

This veggie contains high levels of the amino acid asparagine, which serves as a natural diuretic. Increased urination will not only release the fluid but also help the body on getting rid of excess salts – and this helps in preventing infections in the urinary tract.

3. Helps In Digestive Health

When it comes to digestive health, dietary fiber proves to be quite beneficial. A half cup of asparagus has 1.8 grams of fiber, meaning 7% of your daily needs. Since asparagus is high in insoluble fiber, it adds bulk to stool and supports regular bowel movements. It contains a small amount of soluble fiber, as well, which dissolves in water and forms a gel-like substance in the digestive tract, as Healthline reports.

4. Eases Menstrual Symptoms

According to research, asparagus also tends to ease menstrual symptoms. Premenstrual syndrome, cramps, mood swings tend to come along with women’s monthly friend, the period. However, it’s important to know that the calcium content and vitamin K in asparagus can be helpful in reducing these symptoms. Vitamin K fights the painful cramps by reducing excessive clotting of blood, meanwhile, calcium helps in reducing the bloat, headaches, and mood swings.

5. Helps Support Pregnancy

Asparagus is a source of folate, known also as vitamin B9. Half a cup of asparagus gives adults 34% of their daily folate needs and pregnant women 22% of their daily needs. Folate is a nutrient that is essential in helping to form red blood cells and produce DNA for healthy growth and development. As research suggests, it is important during the early stages of the pregnancy in order to ensure the healthy development of the baby.

6. Helps Lower Blood Pressure

Potassium is good for blood pressure and since, as mentioned, 1 cup of cooked asparagus contains 40 calories, 4 grams of protein, 4 grams of fiber and 404 milligrams of potassium. Asparagus also contains the compound called asparaptine, which helps in improving blood flow and lowering blood pressure.

7. Brain Booster

Asparagus might help our brains in fighting cognitive decline. It delivers folate, which works with vitamin B12 in order to help in preventing cognitive impairment. According to Eating Well, in a study from Tufts University, older adults that had healthy levels of folate and B12 showed better performance on a test of response speed and mental flexibility.

8. Good For The Skin

This veggie contains niacin, which is a compound that can get rid of the most severe cases of acne. It also helps when it comes to reducing irritation and redness that is caused by acne scars. Asparagus contains antioxidants that are capable when it comes to fighting harmful radicals that cause the skin cells to age quickly.

9. Reduces Rheumatism Inflammation

Rheumatism, common among elders, is characterized by inflammation, joint pain, and inhibited movement. Since niacin is often prescribed to reduce this pain, an intake of asparagus can provide the needed amount without the need for medication. The properties it contains can also help in reducing swelling and aching of the joints, as Natural Food Series suggests.
So, keep in mind, asparagus has a variety of health benefits, such as when it comes to digestion, weight loss, and reducing menstrual symptoms among others. It is also inexpensive and pretty easy to be included in a variety of meals. You go asparagus!

Disclaimer: The contents of this article: text, graphics, images, and other materials contained are strictly for informational purposes only. The content is NOT intended to be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis, advice, or treatment. Please, ALWAYS seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider or cosmetologist with all the questions you may have about any medical condition or beauty regimen.

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