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What are the Health Benefits of Asparagus?
Asparagus is known to be very nutritional and consuming this vegetable is a good way to receive vitamin K and folic acid. Other benefits of asparagus include support for heart health as well as digestion and colon health. Benefits of asparagus also include the ability to help lower cholesterol levels. Helping to minimize the risk of urinary tract infections is another one of the benefits of asparagus.
Known to detoxify the body in an all-natural way, asparagus can help a sluggish system. Its natural cleansing action helps to rid toxins and flush them from the body. Consuming asparagus is a good way to keep the kidneys functioning properly. Some experts believe that one of the health benefits of asparagus may also be the prevention of kidney stones. This could be due to the high levels of fiber and potassium found in this vegetable.
Experts believe that the health benefits of asparagus may include the ability to prevent cancer. Although there is no scientific evidence to firmly back this claim, some believe eating asparagus may help keep cancer cells at bay. Folate is an important nutrient known to prevent cancer and is found in asparagus. Folate is also crucial in keeping the heart functioning properly, making this vegetable heart-friendly.
Individuals who suffer from chronic disease such as arthritis, gout, and other inflammatory illnesses may receive health benefits from asparagus. The vegetable is known to have anti-inflammatory properties that may help those who have joint pain. This may benefit people with conditions such as tendinitis and bursitis as well.
Asparagus can help with symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). This vegetable is a natural diuretic, which means it can help with water build up and bloating. Women suffering from PMS should eat a serving of asparagus daily during their menstrual cycle to help reduce symptoms. Asparagus also contains a good amount of magnesium, which may help with other PMS symptoms, such as mood swings and tension.
One of the many health benefits of asparagus is related to an ingredient found in the vegetable known as inulin. Inulin is a type of carbohydrate that can help the gastrointestinal tract. Beneficial bacteria in the colon are needed to help promote a healthy digestive system. These bacteria actually feed on the inulin. By eating asparagus, the body receives inulin to help the healthful bacteria thrive within the intestines.
There are other benefits of eating asparagus, include helping to maintain a healthy blood pressure. Patients with hypertension may receive health benefits of asparagus if they eat it regularly. The vegetable is also said to prevent cataracts and improve vision due to its antioxidant properties.
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![Asparagus.]()
By: Tatiana BelovaAsparagus. -
![Asparagus contains high levels of folate and Vitamin K.]()
By: evgenybAsparagus contains high levels of folate and Vitamin K. -
![Consuming asparagus helps to minimize the risk of urinary tract infections.]()
By: joshyaConsuming asparagus helps to minimize the risk of urinary tract infections. -
![One of the possible health benefits of asparagus is the prevention of kidney stones.]()
By: p6m5One of the possible health benefits of asparagus is the prevention of kidney stones. -
![Consuming asparagus on a regular basis may help lower blood pressure.]()
By: Monkey BusinessConsuming asparagus on a regular basis may help lower blood pressure. -
![Asparagus may be beneficial for those with gout.]()
By: p6m5Asparagus may be beneficial for those with gout. -
![Asparagus can help relieve bloating.]()
By: michaeljungAsparagus can help relieve bloating.
Discussion Comments
Drentel - There are at least a couple schools of thought on how to best consume asparagus. I have heard that cooking asparagus can rob the vegetable of some of its nutrients. This would mean that asparagus juice actually contains more nutrients than the cooked asparagus.
Another, and probably the most nutritious way to consume asparagus is to eat the asparagus plant raw. This way you get the entire vegetable, not only the juice. Also, eating the vegetable raw eliminates cooking, which may take away some of the benefits of the plant.
Many people say they don't like the taste of asparagus, children in particular. Getting a child to eat any vegetable takes savvy. I have searched for and found many recipes for asparagus that taste great. My favorite is chicken stuffed with cheese and asparagus. Not only will the children eat the meal, they actually ask for it.
I don't care for the taste of asparagus, but I could use some of the benefits provided by the vegetable as mentioned in the article. Would the benefits of asparagus juice be the same as eating asparagus? I think I could consume the juice quicker, which means I wouldn't have to fight the taste as long as I would if I ate the entire asparagus.
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