Asparagus is a spring vegetable, which is native to many parts of Europe, northern Africa and western Asia. Asparagus is widely cultivated as a vegetable crop. Only young asparagus shoots are usually eaten as once the buds start to open, the shoots starts to harden.
Asparagus is low in calories and is very low in sodium. Asparagus is an excellent source of protein, fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, thiamin, riboflavin, rutin, folic acid, niacin, iron, copper, potassium, phosphorus, selenium and manganese.
Asparagus is also a good source of calcium, vitamin B6, zinc and magnesium.
Asparagus also contains chromium, a trace mineral. The asparagus plant is also rich in amino acid asparagine.
Super Health Benefits of Asparagus No. 1 – Anti-inflammatory Benefits
Asparagus contains a combination of anti-inflammatory nutrients. Among these anti-inflammatory nutrients are asparagus saponins, including asparanin A, sarsasapogenin, protodioscin, and diosgenin. Other anti-inflammatory nutrients in asparagus include the flavonoids quercetin, rutin, kaempferol and isorhamnetin. Anti-inflammatory nutrients is one of the best risk reducers for common chronic health problems including type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Super Health Benefits of Asparagus No. 2 – Anti-Oxidant Benefits
Asparagus has a combination of antioxidant nutrients which include vitamin C, beta-carotene, and the minerals zinc, selenium, and manganese. Asparagus also contain the antioxidant glutathione (GSH). Antioxidant nutrients is one of the best risk reducers for common chronic health problems including type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Super Health Benefits of Asparagus No. 3 – Digestive Support Benefits
Asparagus contains a compound known as inulin which acts as “prebiotic”. Inulin passes undigested all the way to our large intestine. Once it arrives at large intestine, it becomes food source for certain types of good bacteria (like Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli) that are linked with better nutrient absorption, lower risk of allergy, and lower risk of colon cancer.
Super Health Benefits of Asparagus No. 4 – Heart Health Benefits
Asparagus intake shows reduced chronic disease risk in heart disease. Asparagus has good amount of dietary fiber and soluble fiber. Intake of soluble fiber has been shown to lower risk of heart disease.
Super Health Benefits of Asparagus No. 5 – Blood Sugar Regulation Benefits
Asparagus intake shows reduced chronic disease risk in type 2 diabetes. Asparagus contains folic acid, vitamins B1, B2, B3 and B6. Asparagus also contains the B vitamins choline, biotin, and pantothenic acid. Since B vitamins play an important role in the metabolism of sugars and starches, they are critical for healthy blood sugar management.
Super Health Benefits of Asparagus No. 6 – Anti-Cancer Benefits
Asparagus has very strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant nutrient composition, and we would definitely expect to see health food like asparagus showing up as a risk reducer for certain cancers. Most of the studies done on the anti-cancer benefits of asparagus have been studies on rats and mice, or studies on specific types of cancer cells.
