5 Amazing Health Benefits Of Asparagus

Asparagus (Asparagus Officinalis) is a spring vegetable that belongs to the Asparagaceae family and is native to Europe, Northern Africa, and Western Asia. White asparagus, green asparagus, and purple asparagus are some popular varieties of asparagus.

Being an excellent source of various nutrients like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytonutrients, polyphenols, and dietary fibers, etc, asparagus provides numerous health and beauty benefits.

# Maintains Homocysteine Level

Vitamin B-6, vitamin B-12, and folate present in the asparagus maintain homocysteine levels in our body.They convert homocysteine to cysteine which converts back to methionine as per the normal methylation cycle.A high level of homocysteine could increase the risk of blood vessel damage, venous thrombosis ( blood clots in the veins), atherosclerosis, and other cardiac disorders.Vitamin B complex also improves the metabolism of starch and sugar, and thus regulates blood sugar level.

# Fights PMS

Asparagus is beneficial in fighting against PMS due to the presence of vital nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, etc in them.Asparagus eases premenstrual bloating.B vitamins present in the asparagus provide relief from stress and anxiety, and thus minimizes symptoms of PMS like menstrual cramps, etc. It controls blood loss and balances hormones during menstruation.Vitamin C, an anti-inflammatory compound present in the broccoli relieves pain and inflammation experienced during the PMS stage.

# Improves Fertility

The aphrodisiac property of the asparagus aids in the treatment of sexual disorders for both males and females.In men, it enhances libido and boosts sperm count. In women, it treats menopausal syndrome and minimizes the risk of anemia.

Vitamin C, vitamin A and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols in asparagus protect the sperm cells from free radical damage and thus promote sexual health.Other nutrients like zinc, selenium, and vitamin E also contribute to better sexual health.

# Good For Pregnant Women

The rich nutritious profile of asparagus makes it very beneficial during the pregnancy stage.During pregnancy, a woman needs to ensure that she enjoys a balanced diet loaded with essential nutrients as what she consumes determines not only her health, but also the health, wellness, and development of the fetus in her womb.

Vitamin C, vitamin A and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols in the asparagus protect the uterus and fetus growing in the womb from free radical damage.The folic acid or the folate in asparagus protects the newborns from neurological problems like spina bifida and neural tube defects. The diuretic property of the asparagus prevents water retention and thus minimizes the risk of edema during pregnancy.Dietary fibers in asparagus regulate blood sugar levels and thereby minimizes the risk of gestational diabetes.

# Fights PMS

Asparagus is beneficial in fighting against PMS due to the presence of vital nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, etc in them.Asparagus eases premenstrual bloating.B vitamins present in the asparagus provide relief from stress and anxiety, and thus minimizes symptoms of PMS like menstrual cramps, etc. It controls blood loss and balances hormones during menstruation.Vitamin C, an anti-inflammatory compound present in the broccoli relieves pain and inflammation experienced during the PMS stage.

# Keep The Digestive System Healthy

Asparagus is good for our stomach and improves our digestive health due to the presence of essential nutrients in them.The laxative properties of the dietary fibers in asparagus improve bowel movement, ensures smooth elimination of stool from our system, and thus provides relief from constipation and other gastrointestinal problems like abdominal pain, irritable bowel syndrome, gas, bloating, indigestion and flatulence, etc.

Vitamin C, vitamin A and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols, etc in the asparagus protect the digestive system from free radical damage and thus minimizes the risk of colon cancer, abdominal cancer, intestinal cancer, and stomach cancer, etc.Inulin, a probiotic present in the asparagus aids the absorption of nutrients from the food and minimizes the risk of stomach cancer and allergies.

# Fights Tumor

Vitamin C, vitamin A and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols in the wild asparagus protects our organ cells from free radical damage, and thus minimizes the risk of various tumors.

Saponins, an anti-inflammatory and antioxidantal compound present in the asparagus elevates the level of glutathione, a detoxifying compound that reduces the risk of diseases like HIV, AIDS, Cystic fibrosis, anemia, and Alzheimer’s disease, etc.