Health Benefits of Asparagus
Asparagus is known for making pee smell funny. But it can do so much more, like help you beat bloat and lose weight, thanks to its diurectic properties and high fiber content. The veggie is packed with other nutrients, too, including vitamins A, C, E, K, and B6, Plus, it’s a rich source of antioxidants.
Asparagus Increases Immunity
Incorporating asparagus in the diet helps in fighting bacterial infections, urine infection and cold which makes the immune system strong. Asparagus is a great source of B-complex vitamins which are essential for energy production and to maintain the nervous system.
Asparagus Could Help Fight Risk of Cancer
Asparagus contains Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin B6 and other powerful antioxidants which are very beneficial to maintain healthy cells and fight risks of cancer. Asparagus also regulates homocysteine levels in our blood – a strong risk factor for heart disease.
Asparagus is a Source of Antioxidants
Asparagus is a vegetable known for its antioxidant content, which has the ability to slow down the aging process.
It is a very good source of fiber, folate, vitamins A, C, E and K, as well as chromium, a trace mineral that enhances the ability of insulin to transport glucose from the bloodstream into cells. That’s good news if you’re watching your blood sugar.
Asparagus is a prebiotic
By now, you probably know how good probiotics are for you—they’re helpful for everything from moving your digestion along to improving your mood. But prebiotics (the non-digestible carbs that feed your gut’s bacteria) are super important, too.Prebiotics help with the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. In other words, you can’t have probiotics without prebiotics—and asparagus will get the prebiotic job done.
Asparagus is a Natural Diuretic
Asparagin, an amino acid, acts as natural diuretics. Asparagin is present in asparagus in high levels which helps the body in releasing the extra salt from the body through urination. Asparagus provides a useful amount of vitamin K, essential for strong bones and to main blood pressure.
Asparagus contains vitamin E
Asparagus is also a source of vitamin E, another important antioxidant. This vitamin helps strengthen your immune system and protects cells from the harmful effects of free radicals. To fill up on its benefits, roast asparagus with a little olive oil. Our body absorbs vitamin E better if it’s eaten alongside some fat. And when you cook it with olive oil, you’re getting healthy fat and vitamin E.
Asparagus helps detox your body
More antioxidants are always a good idea—antioxidants protect the body against free radicals, which helps with heart health and fights against diseases like cancer. Luckily, asparagus is rich in them—particularly glutathione. Glutathione is an important antioxidant that plays a pivotal role in the detox process. It’s also linked with healthier skin and better liver function.
Asparagus helps with regular bowel movements
Struggling with constipation? It happens to the best of us. In addition to loading up on magnesium citrate, sipping on coffee and staying hydrated, try sautéing some asparagus and see if it get the job done. Asparagus is rich in fiber, which makes it great for digestion and regular bowel movements.
Asparagus can protect you from getting sick
You’ve probably heard that Vitamin C is great for giving the immune system a boost. But you don’t have to peel oranges all day long just to get your Vitamin C fix. Asparagus is great for the immune system as well. Asparagus is a great source of Vitamin C, which helps fight of colds and builds up the immune system. (One cup has 8 mg of vitamin C, about 10 percent of your recommended daily allowance.)
How to Add Asparagus to Your Diet
The best way to consume asparagus is to roast, grill or stir fry it. Quick cooking works well to preserve the nutritional content and the antioxidants present in it. You can also add it to your soups and curries.