Asparagus owes its name to the ancient Greeks, but Romans were the first to appreciate the taste of this succulent herb and thought to store it. Folklore considered this wonderful herb as a cure for everything from toothaches to child births. Asparagus belongs to lily family which also includes garlic and onions. It is an excellent source of folic acid and also a good source of fibre, potassium, vitamin A, B6 and C. Asparagus contains no cholesterol and no fats.
Health Benefits of Asparagus:
Listed below are some health benefits of Asparagus:
- In Improving Heart Health: Experts suggest that asparagus contains folate that along with vitamin B6 and B12 can help in reducing homocysteine level in our blood. Low blood folate is linked with high homocysteine level in our blood. High level of homocysteine can injure the walls of the arteries. This can promote atherosclerosis. So, high folate level in the blood is necessary to prevent atherosclerosis, strokes, etc.
- In Preventing Birth Defect: Experts believe that folic acid and calcium content contained in asparagus can help in preventing birth defects in new-born babies. These include such defects as spina bifida and anencephaly that can be reduced considerably with regular intake of folic acid in diet. Spina bifida refers to incomplete development of spinal cord in new-born babies, whereas anencephaly refers to minimal development of skull and brain in new borns.
- In Maintaining Healthy Gut Environment: It is suggested that asparagus contains inulin that can help in promoting friendly bacterial growth in our large intestine. This helps in promoting the activities of friendly bacteria that can help in improving and maintaining a healthy environment.
- In Preventing Excess Water Retention: Asparagus is considered a good source of potassium. This can help in preventing excess water retention in the body through urine or sweating. The amino acid (asparagine) contained in asparagus is also considered to stimulate a diuretic effect. This can help in treating rheumatism, arthritis, premenstrual syndrome (PMS) related-water retention, etc.
- In Preventing Constipation: Experts suggest that asparagus, being a good source of fibre content, can act as a laxative and can help in preventing constipation.
- In Treating Depression and Stress: Presence of magnesium in asparagus can help in maintaining body’s glucose level by converting excess glucose into energy. This energy can help in overcoming fatigue and stress.
While buying asparagus, avoid buying asparagus whose stalks have become limp and buds open. Fresh asparagus have bright green stalks with purplish tips, tightly closed. To keep asparagus fresh and crisp, wrap it in a damp towel and put it in a plastic bag inside a refrigerator.
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