150 GM

Asparagus is a great source of vitamins, minerals, and essential proteins. It is rich in vitamin A, vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B3 (niacin), vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), vitamin B6, folate, vitamin C, vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol), and vitamin K (phylloquinone). The mineral treasures that are stored in it include iron, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, zinc, selenium, and potassium. Asparagus contains a very low amount of calories with no cholesterol and is low in sodium as well. Along with this, it is also a rich source of dietary fiber, which is essential for the body.

Asparagus Calories

According to GoodData Central, a 100 g serving of raw asparagus contains about 20 calories. This makes the stalks a very good dietary option for people looking to shed extra pounds. [5]

Health Benefits of Asparagus

Let us look at the various health benefits of asparagus in detail below.

Maintains Homocysteine Level

Asparagus is rich in B vitamins that help in maintaining healthy levels of homocysteine, which is produced in the blood when an amino acid (methionine) breaks down in the body. Vitamin B, especially folate, B6, and B12 plays a key role in converting homocysteine into cysteine, which then gets converted back to methionine as per the normal methylation ;

A deficiency of vitamin B in the body can elevate the levels of homocysteine and increase the risk of damage to blood vessels, venous thrombosis in which clotting of blood happens in the veins, atherosclerosis, and other cardiac disorders. In addition to this, vitamin B helps in maintaining healthy levels of blood sugar by ensuring the proper metabolism of starches and sugars in the ;

Helps in Pregnancy

The high folate content in asparagus aids in reducing the danger of low birth weight and birth defects during pregnancy. Folate is essential for the growth of the fetus. It also helps in reducing the complication of edema or retention of water in the body tissues owing to its diuretic ;

Fights PMS

An asparagus extract can be used effectively for easing pre-menstrual bloating. The presence of essential nutrients helps to combat depression and fatigue, as well as reduce menstrual cramps. It also helps in controlling blood loss and maintaining hormonal balance during menstruation.

Reduces Blood Pressure

Asparagus is a common vegetable, long used as herbal medicine. It is effective in eradicating a plethora of health-related problems. According to a study in the Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, the bottom-stem consumption of asparagus significantly reduced the subjects’ systolic and diastolic blood pressure. This result supports the possibility that asparagus cladophylls and bottom-stems differentially improve hypertension and hyperglycemia.

Improves Fertility

The root of asparagus racemosus is widely appreciated in Ayurvedic therapy and is famously known as Shatavari, which means ‘one who has 100 husbands’. Shatavari has aphrodisiac properties and is used to regulate hormones and cure male and female sexual disorders. It has anti-anxiety properties and helps in curing physical and mental debility in males. It also helps in enhancing the libido and boosts sperm count and motility. In females, asparagus has been proven to be effective in menopausal syndrome and anemia. Shatavari has been trusted as a galactagogue and is also valued for its effectiveness in improving the quality and quantity of breast milk while boosting the appetite of nursing women. Research studies conducted on animals have demonstrated positive effects on the genitals and the mammary glands of the female subjects who consumed adequate amounts of ;

Improves Digestion

Asparagus contains significant quantities of the nutrient inulin, which is a kind of complex carbohydrate, commonly known as prebiotic. It does not get digested until it reaches the large intestine, where it is fed upon by a kind of good bacteria like lactobacilli. Inulin aids in the improved absorption of ;

It is also a good provider of dietary fiber and has laxative properties that help in the smooth functioning of the bowels, keeping bloating and constipation at bay. Along with healthy digestion, fiber also helps in lowering the cholesterol levels of the body. It is widely recommended in Ayurveda therapy for its effectiveness in curing diarrhea, dysentery, and dyspepsia, which is a feeling of abdominal uneasiness including burning sensations or navel pain occurring during or after eating. Studies have shown that asparagus racemosus has been proven to be as effective as the commercially available modern drugs in treating dyspepsia.

Anticancer Potential

According to a study published in Cancer Letters, crude saponins found in the shoots of asparagus have exhibited anti-tumor activity. A 2016 study published in the Journal of Functional Foods also found that saponins induced typical features of apoptosis. The takeaways from this study could offer a potential dietary intervention strategy to manage human colorectal cancer cells. Furthermore, asparagus also helps in elevating the levels of glutathione, an antioxidant and detoxifying compound.

Helps in Weight Loss

According to a study in the Phytotherapy Research journal, supplementary intake of Sambucus nigra and Asparagus Officinalis facilitated improvement in the mean weight, blood pressure, physical and emotional well-being, and the quality of life of the ;

Anti-diabetic Properties

As per a 2012 study published in The British Journal of Nutrition, asparagus extract has anti-diabetic properties and improves insulin secretion. Also, in another rat study published in the Indian Journal of Experimental Biology, asparagus improves early diabetic nephropathy (a kidney disease). 

INDICATIONS;

Aasthi jwaram, fever, cough, emaciation, menorrhea/ over bleeding, aphrodisiac.

DOSE; 1 to 2 teaspoons, twice a day.