Health And Nutritional Benefits Of Asparagus
Asparagus plant (Asparagus Offcinalis) is a vegetable of Lily family found in Eastern Mediterranean areas, Egypt and some parts of Africa. This vegetable can grow to a height of 7 inches in a day and is the rich source of Vitamin A, C, E, fiber and Iron. The literal meaning of this noble vegetable in Greek language is Sprout and Sparrow. Due to its fine texture, the king of Greece, Augustus and king of France Louis XIV adored this vegetable plant greatly. Till the 18th century, this vegetable was prohibited for the commons by the emperors of Greece, Rome, Egypt and France. This vegetable was cultivated exclusively for the nobles. It gives a particular smell to urine. It was known as “Food of the Kings”.
The herbalists of Greece, Rome, Egypt and France have been using Asparagus plant for medicinal purposes for about 2000 years. This vegetable plant was used to treat the patients suffering from digestive problems, throat related problems, problems related to the passage of urine, uric acid, bee sting, toothache etc. Basically this vegetable is a summer vegetable and springtime is the ideal time to eat Asparagus. Today’s world is a very health conscious world. People eat this vegetable raw, as a part of Salad, by making juice of it or by cooking it. Due to its multi-nutrient value, and presence of Vitamin and Minerals, people of every country use Asparagus. In ancient times people celebrated gathering of wild asparagus during spring time.
Asparagus is helpful in treating the problems of urinary track. Aspatic acid of asparagus is the most common form of amino acid. It is for treating uric acid problem and for clearing the obstructions in urine area. Asparagus is also beneficial for kidneys, adrenal glands and gall bladder. The intake of asparagus juice facilitates the removal of kidney stones. It is also suggested to pregnant women for normal delivery.
Asparagus is good for the health of heart too. The juice of asparagus is the best filter for removing impurities from blood. It also improves the circulation of blood to heart. It is a good source of Fibers that are helpful in treating the problem of constipation. It also gives health to liver. Folic acid of asparagus is good for pregnant women as it helps lessen birth defects.
Due to its anti-cancer, anti-oxidant properties, National Cancer Institute suggested to increase the intake of asparagus for fighting cancer. The green, white and purple spikes of asparagus are good for the patients of cancer. Glutathione present in this vegetable protects the cell membranes and DNA from toxic compounds and helps in the recycling of Vitamin C and E.
Asparagus is also good for the health of eyes. Asparagus is a rich source of Iron and herbalists suggest it to the patients of anemia. It is also good for the health of bones and skin. Vitamin B, Zinc, Copper and potassium of asparagus make this vegetable beneficial for the people of all ages.