Asparagus for Healthy Life
July 3, 2009
Asparagus is used in soaps, salads and variety of dishes. This vegetable is often more expensive than most common vegetables. The short growing season, the lengthy growing time span and the need for harvesting the crop by hand, accounts for the high price of this vegetable.
Asparagus belongs to the lily family. They are available in green, white and purple colors. What we eat are actually the shoots growing over the crown, which grows under the soil. Asparagus has immense health benefits.
Nutritional value in asparagus
Asparagus is a rich source of vitamin K and folate. Vitamins A, C, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin and vitamin B6 are also present in asparagus. Asparagus also contains manganese, copper, phosphorous, potassium, iron, zinc, magnesium, selenium and calcium. This vegetable is also a source of dietary fiber.
Diuretic
Asparagus is a natural diuretic. It is rich in potassium, which along with asparagines, a form of amino acid helps in increasing urination. Asparagus is beneficial for treating edema and water retention related premenstrual syndrome.
Good for heart
From a single serving of asparagus, you can get nearly sixty percent of your folate supply. Folate is extremely beneficial for our cardiovascular health. In traditional medicine, asparagus is recommended for people suffering from enlarged heart. People suffering from heart ailments can benefit by consuming one tablespoon of fresh asparagus juice thrice every day.
Food for pregnant women
Folate present in asparagus is an essential nutrient during pregnancy. Folate is capable of reducing birth defects. This mineral is also needed for the development of the nervous system of the fetus.
Asparagus contains potash. Potash is beneficial for people suffering from arthritis. People suffering from gout can benefit by eating asparagus. However, to get most of the potash present in asparagus, eat steamed asparagus or fresh asparagus juice. Most of the essential salts are lost by boiling the vegetable. However, rheumatic arthritis patients, suffering from advanced kidney ailments should avoid asparagus.
Increases libido
Asparagus is capable of increasing sexual drive. The dried root of the asparagus plant boiled with milk is consumed to increase sexual drive and cure impotency. It helps to thicken the semen.
Good for digestion
Asparagus contains inulin. Inulin is the food for good bacteria, which live in our stomach. Asparagus by providing food to the good bacteria, promotes their growth. This helps to improve digestion and prevents yeast infection.
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