5 Health Benefits of Asparagus

Amy Taylor July 31, 2014

Asparagus is one of the healthiest greens out there as it is loaded with high levels of nutrients, vitamins and minerals. It is great as a detox vegetable and anti-aging vegetable, an aphrodisiac (surprised?), and much more.

The asparagus is a member of the lily family. It is a perennial and can yield a harvest for decades.

Here are the top reasons why asparagus makes us healthy:

It acts as a detox.

A cup serving of asparagus contains 288 milligrams of potassium – an essential mineral which plays a role in heart health and is believed to be effective in reducing belly fat. The same serving contains 3 grams of fibre which boosts digestive health. It has virtually no sodium, which means it doesn’t cause bloating and doesn’t raise cholesterol.

It has anti-ageing effects.

Apart from potassium, asparagus also has vitamin A, and folate. This superfood is especially rich in glutathione – an amino acid compound with superior antioxidant properties. Glutathione (GSH) is an antioxidant that protects cells from toxins such as free radicals.

It helps protect against cancer.

Asparagus is rich in folate which is now known to be an important protection against cancer. Note: Folate is found naturally in leafy green vegetables, and citrus fruits. While folic acid is said to be the same as folate, folic acid is the supplemental form.

It may reduce risk of heart disease.

Folate has also been shown to provide significant benefits to heart health.

It helps prevent birth defects.

Getting enough folate (yes, folate seems to be the star here) especially important for women who are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Deficiency in thus nutrient has been linked to increased risk of Spina Bifida (a spinal cord birth defect) and also anencephaly (a neural tube defect). Folate is also crucial to embryonic and fatal nerve cell formation, and reduces the risk of premature birth.

It may help prevent osteoporosis and osteoarthritis.

The high levels of vitamin K in asparagus have shown can help prevent osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. Vitamin K aids in bone formation and repair, and is essential in the production of osteocalcin – protein in bone tissue on which calcium crystallises. Asparagus is considered the number one source of vitamin K.

And since it is very low in calorie (only 40 per cup), you can really enjoy this superfood without guilt feelings!