Asparagus, a member of lily family includes leeks, garlic and onions. There are a hundred types of asparagus but only few are edible. We eat green or greenish purple asparagus. There’s also a white color variety which is grown underground to preserve the flavor. But they lack chlorophyll. Asparagus is expensive compared to other vegetables because it is harvested by hand.
Asparagus is rich in protein but low in calories and carbs. It is rich in potassium, folate, vitamins A, C and K, and it also have traces of vitamin B complex. It’s a good source of dietary fiber, niacin, phosphorus and very low sodium. It is one of the rare vegetable with calcium and magnesium in an ideal ratio of 2:1.
Health Benefits
Asparagus is packed with an amino acid, asparagine which helps cleansing the body of wastes. And that is why few people’s urine may smell very bad after eating asparagus. But you need not worry if it happens to you. It just means that your kidneys are clean.
Asparagus is full of healthful nutrients which help in many ailments.
1. Acidity, Blood: The high alkaline asparagus juice can effectively reduce acidity of your blood and help in cleansing the tissues and muscles of waste.
2. Arthritis and Rheumatism: A unique phytochemical in asparagus consists of anti-inflammatory properties that helps to relieve arthritis and rheumatism.
3. Bowel movement: Intake asparagus daily for its mild laxative properties and rich dietary fiber which helps in regular bowel movement.
4. Cancer: Asparagus is a very rich source of anti-oxidants and glutathione which helps greatly in preventing various types of cancers.
5. Cataracts: Rich in anti-oxidants and glutathione, asparagus helps in preventing the progression of cataracts and all other eye problems.
6. Diabetes/Hypoglycemia: The essential minerals in asparagus juice have turned it into an important diet for diabetic people. However, people with kidney diseases should completely avoid this vegetable.
7. Diuretic: Asparagus is a diuretic vegetable and its efficacy is even more when taken in juice form.
8. Heart disease: Drink a small quantity of its juice with some raw honey thrice times a day regularly to strengthen a weak or enlarged heart.
9. Kidney: The diuretic and alkaline properties present in asparagus prevent or dissolves kidney stones. It helps in breaking up oxalic acid crystals that usually forms in the kidney.
10. PMS symptoms: The diuretic properties of asparagus juice help in relieving premenstrual swelling and bloating. The magnesium in this juice also helps to relieve fatigue, irritability, depression, etc.
10. Pregnant women: The high folate content, calcium and various other minerals in asparagus are quite important to reduce the risk of birth defects and low birth weight. The diuretic property of this juice also helps to reduce water retention in pregnant women.
Consumption Tips
While buying asparagus, straight, firm stalks with tight tips are preferred. Eat fresh but if you need to store, always keep them dry and tightly-wrapped in a good plastic bag for up to 3 days in refrigerator.
Eating asparagus is preferable for its dietary fiber but drinking juice especially the juice of tough stem ends is the best option.