8 Super Health Benefits of Asparagus
94asparagus spears
8 Health Benefits of Asparagus
Asparagus has so many health benefits, it should be added to the healthy diet. Asparagus is great as a detox vegetable, an anti-aging vegetable, and no surprise - an aphrodisiac, and much more.
The asparagus is a member of the lily family. It grows easily in the home garden right in the flower bed - it is a perennial and can yield a harvest for decades. Asparagus can be planted as seeds or roots any time of the year.
Here is a list of some of the health benefits of asparagus followed by a list further explaining those health benefits.
Asparagus:
1 - can detoxify our system
2 - has anti-aging functions
3 - is considered an aphrodisiac
4 - can protect against cancer
5 - reduces pain and inflammation
6 - can prevent osteoporosis and osteoarthritis
7 - reduces the risk of heart disease
8 - can help prevent birth defects
While there is every kind of supplement on the market to address these health issues, too often Americans turn to pills as a main source of nutrition. Pills should only be used as a supplement and not in the place of whole foods. For example: folic acid is highly recommended in today's diet especially for women who may become pregnant. However, folic acid is the supplemental form of folate. Folate is naturally found in asparagus. In the interest of good health, whole foods are always recommended before supplements.
The Reasons Asparagus Keeps Us Healthy:
1 - As a detox - asparagus has 288 milligrams of potassium per cup. Potassium is known for reducing belly fat (see belly fat link below). It also contains 3 grams of fiber which cleanses the digestive system. It has virtually no natural sodium so no bloating during PMS, has no fat or cholesterol, and one cup has only 40 calories. According to a clinical dietician at UCLA Medical Center, asparagus in the ultimate in detox vegetables.
2 - For anti-aging purposes - asparagus is rich in potassium, vitamin A, and folate. It is also very high in glutathione - an amino acid compound with protent antioxidant properties; a must as an anti-aging deterrent. Glutathione (GSH) is an antioxidant that protects cells from toxins such as free radicals.
3 - As an aphrodisiac - the asparagus is considered a psycho-physiological aphrodisiac because of its shape. It is said to trigger the mind to have a physiological response. The French word for asparagus is asperge; asperge is a slang word for penis.
4 - Against cancer - asparagus in high 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 is always recommeded that you get health benefits from eating healthy whole foods.
5 - Reducing pain and inflammation - it is the folate that helps reduce inflammation.
6 - Preventing osteoporosis and osteoarthritis - asparagus has vitamin K which studies have shown can help prevent osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. Vitamin K aids in bone formation and repair. It is also necessary for the synthesis of osteocalcin. Osteocalcin is the protein in bone tissue on which calcium crystallizes. Asparagus has been listed as the number one source of vitamin K.
7 - Reducing the risk of heart disease - it is the folate that has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease.
8 - Preventing birth defects - getting enough folate (doctors often recommend the folic acid supplement) is especially important for women who are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Having a folate deficiency has been correlated with increased risk of Spina Bifida (a spinal cord birth defect) and also anencephaly (a neural tube defect). Folate helps to regulate embryonic and fetal nerve cell formation and may also help to prevent premature births.
Additionally, studies have shown that the nutritional benefits of asparagus can help prevent and treat urinary tract infections and kidney stones. Overall, asparagus is rich in potassium, vitamin A, folate, glutathione, and vitamin K. It is high in fiber, has no sodium, is low in calories and has no cholesterol or fat.
You may notice some asparagus spears are thick and some are thin. The thick ones are best for roasting or steaming. I find steaming the best and also very quick. The thin spears are ideal for the grill or if you are planning to sautee.
For optimum health benefits it is suggested that asparagus be eaten raw.
Before eating, the woody stem should be removed from both the thick spears and the thin. Peel only the thick spears before cooking.
- See more healthy eating suggestions below:
Healthy Eating Suggestions
- Foods to Help You Lose the Dangerous Belly Fat
People who carry excess weight around the belly are at increased risk for heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and some types of cancer. Reasearchers at Wake Forest University found that trans fats,* which has... - 10 Healthy Foods to Help You Lose Weight and Feel Fu...
Historically, food has always been there to keep us healthy. Unfortuntately, the Western Diet has become filled with processed foods that contain partially hydrogenated oils, high fructose corn syrup, and... - 4 Amazing Health Benefits of Cranberries
As we finally move away from food products and back to food in its most natural state, we are finding out that fresh food has all the nutritional benefits that we will ever need This includes cranberries,... - Use Mesquite Flour to Prevent Diabetes
When we think of mesquite we tend to think of barbeques and the mesquite wood that goes with it. Mesquite hardwood has been used for barbeques to add a smoky sweetness to grilled food. From that same tree... - Probiotics and Other Benefits of Korean Kimchi
For centuries, kimchi has been a major part of the Korean diet. It is the traditional fermented food that is served at every meal. As Americans become more aware of the benefits of probiotics, kimchi is... - Dark Chocolate Can Lower Your Blood Pressure
According to a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), dark chocolate can lower your blood pressure. By eating just 30 calories worth of dark chocolate every day, your blood pressure...
vote upvote downshareprintflag
- Useful (31)
- Funny (4)
- Awesome (14)
- Beautiful (8)
- Interesting (5)
CommentsLoading...
Wow, I did't didn't know that the aparagus was so potent, annd vital. thanks for that explosive hub. creativeone59
mmmm Asparagus, recently tossed some asparagus spears and fresh mushrooms in olive oil, and roasted them in the oven.. yumm!!
Great information once again. I think I'm going to stock up on some before my surgery this friday since it's good at reducing pain and inflammation! Who new it's an aphrodisiac as well!
BK Creative,
Another Great Healthy Hub! I love asparagus. You have given some very good healthy tips as always! Well done!
Blessings
Regarding the asparagus market, I know that June is the month for asparagus in Germany and when you live there you eat, see and smell nothing but asparagus. Therefore you get an asparagus market.
Great Hub, keep on writing and give me ideas to get rid of my fat belly. Thanks
Hallo! Yes, we were there around that time (in Regensberg). I hadn't realised before that Germans grew so much asparagus. I can imagine that when you're eating, seeing and smelling nothing but asparagus, the novelty must wear off pretty quick! (Although I guess you would get very healthy. :)
I just found this!
http://www.financialpost.com/scripts/story.html?id
Everything you ever wanted to know about asparagus in Germany, lol!
You're welcome. I enjoyed reading it too.
Yes, the Germans seem to be getting it right. As well as optimal health benefits they're buying and eating fresh, local food, great for the environment too! We also have summer foods in winter, which is nice up to a point, but not really necessary, and not a very good idea in the big scheme of things.
This is a excellent hub i found some good asparages info out here just a pity i can seem to find a supplier here in the u.k anyway thanks and keep up the good work
andy
Thanks for sharing. I couldn't really collect it. Though i could see that the health benefits are enormous.
I am a vegetable fanatic, and I like asparagus, but I didn't know about the multitude of benefits it provides. Now I'm more inclined to eat more asparagus. Thank you for all of your research.
This hub is so fun and informative. I love asparagus! I didn't know it was considered an aphrodisiac. :)
WOW. I love asparagus, but had no idea that the health benefits were so diverse. Great article. Thanks for the education.
You could probably pick any vegetable and write an entire article on the health benefits of that vegetable. I remember seeing one just the other day from a girl here on the benefits of cabbage. I honestly wonder if there are any vegetables that don't have health benefits? That would be an awesome article. "Don't eat Broccoli... it's not only tastes yucky it's bad for you!"... :) I actually like broccoli though.
I'll have to eat more asparagus now. I love it on my chicken salad sandwich. Will have to check out some recipes! It's always great to learn from you Bk!
It really is one of nature's superfoods, and while many people don't like to eat anything green, I love it! Cool hub.
Oooh!~ I need to start growing Asparagus right now! :)
As good as asparagus is for us it is hard to believe that it is not more common on the tables across the country.
Well - I never realised how good for you it was. I love it. We eat a lot of it when it is in season. We can always get it but I don't like to buy imported vegetables so I only buy seasonal. If you don't want to eat it raw then the thing is to steam for just the shortest time - 2 minutes or less so that it is still firm. Nothing worse than an overcooked asparagus. And of course you can always tell if you have been eating asparagus because it makes the urine smell very strange - much to my children's amusement. If you never noticed this before then you will now!
You can also buy it in glass jars for people with no time to cook. Just pop open a jar and heat it in the microwave.
With hollandaise sauce. Probably not as nutritious but this saves lots of time and energy for the working class with no time to cook much.
J.
Great hub especially this point "can help prevent birth defects". We are working on our 2nd child so I will stock up on the Asparagus
A very nice hub, BkCreative! Asparagus farming is now an alternative source of income in our country, Philippines, especialy in Minadanao area. Farmers are now exporting it to different parts of the world. You can eat it raw or just parboil it and presto it's already a meal if you are minimizing your carbo intake.
An excellent food, excellent hub and now I wish the farmers market was not closed. Oh well there is always tomorrow. Anyway, the whole hub was interesting but I caution about those who take any medications that an increase of potassium would harm them worse. I will have to do some research to find out which synthetic drugs carry that caution for diet.
sharing the light, enlightenment advisor erica hidvegi
I absolutely LOVE asparagus! Eat it just about every day. Glad to know it has so many health benefits!! Thanks for sharing!
A great hub and informative as well. I never have been a fan of asparagus but with this new information will be getting in on the benefits of having some in my diet.
Robert Elias Ballard
I have to tell you, this is amazing information. I always eat asparagus but did not really think it offers so much. Now I am going to make it part of my diet. Way to go!
I love them. Best is to roast them and pour a little olive oil and pepper on them. I don't eat salt. And yum.
Lord Bryan
I love asparagus! Put olive oil on them and throw em on the grill. PERFECTO!
Great informative Hub about health benefits of wonderful Asparagus. This is a good for vegetarians! Thanks a lot!
I love asparagus too. Ever notice after eating asparagus your urine stinks? Great hub by the way!
I had no idea it was so good for you. It makes a nice change to read about he health benefits of somthing I like instead of things I don't like.
I love asparagus my country Peru produces a lot of asparagus
Nice article.
Thank you
Awesome hub. I love asparagus and would eat it even if it wasn't so good for you!
again, nice useful and well written hub BK-)
Asparagus, yea love it to bits, as some of your German readers stated already, its one of the things everyone looks forward to here, the taste and smell is almost synonymous with the European summer getting underway.
The health benefits sometimes get dropped a bit since a lot of Germans smother them in hollandaise sauce which is not quite that good for the girt, personally I'll go with just a dab of butter.
I am not too sure about the aphrodisiac effect though, since it does make you reek just a bit, its hard to imagine the oral variations being much of a turn on. Other than that, great article, great vegetable but unfortunately a long wait for the next season.
I knew that it had a ton of health benefits, but did not realize that they had this much! I finally got my husband to enjoy them as much as I do.
Thoroughly enjoyed the information from this hub!
I have been hearing alot of good things about this vegetable, I have tried them steamed and it just is a taste that will take awhile to get used to.
Interesting hub! Did not know Asparagus had so many benefits. Will be definitely sharing it with our clients.
Just looking around for information on specific anti aging products and methodology; I think it’s important that people are aware of all the different methods that they can use to revitalise their skin and their current look.
Hi, great hub/ I love as asparagus ;D
I love asparagus! It's good to know it's so healthy. We have planted about 50 plants in our garden--home grown is some of the best!
I've always eaten it, but now I know why I do.
Thanks
Well execute and thoughtful. Thanks for this piece.
Yum! I am looking forward to spring because asparagus is one of my favorites!
An interesting Hub. I hadn't thought about the benefits of asparagus before. I just know that it makes a tasty starter with ham and mayo.
Thanks for the info. I'll have more now.
superb story on the Hub.
i love hearing good things about food i love to eat......thx 4 share
Great Hub BK I am also embarking on writing about this wonderful veggie too, hehehe, but in another perspective thanks for sharing...
Just included this wonderful hub of yours in my latest article about asparagus. I hope I hope I have your blessings otherwise I am getting rid of your link in my hub.
Brilliant information-I'm just a recent convert to this veg,I have to get more.
thanks
Nice hub! I am going to plant some asparagus this weekend!
I've started eating Asparagus again as I've heard of its amazing health benefits. Here's a quick simple recipe which will get anyone to add it to their favorite foods list. Boil it until soft. Place it on a baking tray and cover with blue cheese. Wait for a few minutes till it melts. This is the recipe which got me back on Asparagus for good. Its delicious :) . Thanks for the great info, I'm book marking this hub & I've also rated it up.
Asparagus has so many health benefits. The best thing about it is it's also delicious. High in folate and tastey too!
thanks for the info! I had no idea that the asparagus had so many qualities!
Super hub! You have covered everything. Now that it is in season - I just bought such a big bunch I couldn't eat it all!
Thanks for so much good information!
"has anti-aging functions". Nice!! Going to start eating more Asparagus now :)
I don't know if Hippocrates knew about asparagus, but it certainly fits with his statement "Let food be your medicine and medicine your food."
The anti-inflammatory effects of the folate content are extremely important in helping reduce the effects of gum disease and in preventing heart disease. Inflammation in the body has been shown to reduce the life span.
Another good thing about asparagus is that it is very easy to grow. It needs an undisturbed permanent spot in the garden, but if you have the room you can eat lots of asparagus in the spring at very little cost.
Very good healthy tips, asparagus is so tasty and really good for our body.
Thank you for a very informative article
Very interesting.
asparagus tastes gross and i can't imagine eating it to get this nutrients
Hi BkCreative, After reading this and with all of the comments, there is one other health benefit of asparagus, and that is it helps tremendously with the pain of kidney stones. Minutes after ingesting asparagus my pain was attenuated until I could see a doctor.
Asparagus is so good! I made a hub on finding reliable health information online, which will help you find even more health benefits to the foods you eat. http://hubpages.com/hub/Finding-Reliable-Health-In
Great health facts BKCreative! I had no idea asparagus was so healthy for you. I try to get it when it is in season and on sale. I know it this an excellent source of fiber.
I actually ate a lot of asparagus when I was pregnant - I had a craving for it. It's good to hear that it's so good for pregnant women.
I didn't know it could be grown so easily, either. I'll have to give it a try next year. I just retweeted this hub, everyone should know about these amazing health benefits!
Hey I love them too. But must confess that I rarely eat them. Somehow they have not been in my diet for a long time. I have noticed my wife eating them once in a while. And I remember Dr. Shook ( a famous herbalist) recommending an extract of asparagus of heart disease. So this confirms what you are saying. Thanks for the details.
Love asparagus and dugg this Hub. :-)
health is something which is to be cared properly,no negligence can be allowed.I am happy that some "health is wealth" related hub is there,it simply educates the people and helps them lead a better life.I take proud in giving a 'hats off' to you!
Really great hubpage! Thank you for sharing and I love asparagus.
i love steamed asparagus with a bit of olive oil and salt and pepper.
try steamed (8 min in microwave) asparagus sprinkled with parmesan.
Asparagus is seldom on my dinner menu. I eat more locally grown veggies for the simple reason - it's cheaper! I enjoyed reading your hub. Tks for sharing.
Nice brief up about Asparagus and its holistic effects on human body. For a while I thought you are talking about Yoga.
You always put great information out there for your readers to enjoy. I am into natural healing myself so your articles are favorites of mine. You can purchase glutathione in capsule form but why would you want to when you can eat great tasting asparagus and get the same protection plus many other benefits? Thanks for sharing. I like your articles and will read more.
yummies
Well I don't see that I have been here yet so I must have read about the benefits from another hub but I also read one on okra so I have been making sort of a soup of okra, asparagus, onions and tomatoes and it is really good and sometimes I put it over wheat noodles or brown rice. I have some zip bags of it froze(about a pint) since my husband won't try it and I can get it down to have real often.
Great review BkCreative! You've pinpointed every minor details on this. Fruits have an almost miraculous capability if you really researched on the benefits of it. For example, A banana can help people who want to quit smoking because of the potassium content, and the guyabano is said to be 1,000 more effective than any chemotherapy can do to cancer. Thank you for the great information
This must be a great revelation. Thanks for sharing and I hope to know more about this natural herb.
Great hub...
As I re-read your pages, I forgot to add this when I wrote before. I love them. One day I roasted a very large batch of them. I cannot say how many I ate but it was way over the top. Then for the next day or so, I noticed I was having to pee A LOT. We couldn't figure why, then it was brought to my attention, I had eaten so many the day before. And sure enough, after some research, eating to many asparagus make you go. And I mean go.
Lord Bryan
Asparagus is really very nutritious and the health benefits are well outlined here.
Thanks for the great info...
This is a very nice hub. This is really a great reality. I'm glad to have read this informative hub.
Wow great insighful Hub! "glutathione - an amino acid compound with protent antioxidant properties; a must as an anti-aging deterrent. Glutathione (GSH) is an antioxidant that protects cells from toxins such as free radicals."
What is written about asparagus is true; but I have specifically proven its benefit against urinary tract infection---- I was starting with quite painful episodes of urinating, and I knew I had to go to the doctor for a prescription of antibiotics. But I decided to treat myself with asparagus---- bottled ones as they were out of season; green, white and all the juice/water in the bottle. I felt better in no time,no more pain in passing urine immediately. I continued taking a lot more, just to be sure the infection does not recur.... and it never did! I cannot believe that could be true without antibiotics!
That's great information about asparagus. I love the stuff, but it's bad for causing gout so got to have it sparingly. Otherwise it's a great food!
Amazing, it's like a miracle veggie!
thanks for the info.
Thanks for letting me know all about asparagus. I like it however, I noticed that it produces an intoxicating odor in my urine. This is why I don't eat much of it. A holistic doctor confirmed my observation however, he did not tell me why asparagus produces a smelly urine in people. I wonder why this happens?
Nice Hub BkCreative very informative and well organized, I did not know that Asparagus have so many benefits thanks for the very informative hub
I actually grow asparagus in my garden and I love it. It's so tasty and even better with all these health benefits.
Excellent article. I love asparagus, but had no idea that there were so many benefits to eating it. Now, I just wish that I could find good stalks here in my area. Seems like they are all so skimpy looking. LOL
Wow, I never knew Asparagus was such an amazing vegetable. Thanks.
I had no idea that Asparagus holds so many health benefits. One reason could be that it's not part of cuisine where I come from. But next time I go to supermarket, I am going to get some.
love your posts i am diet expert over the years
That was a nice page full of information.. Thanks for sharing this. Thumbs up!
Great Hub! I love asparagus,thanks for sharing
I shall remember asparagus on my next visit to the supermaket. Thanks! :)
Now these are the things that keep me brooding over the fact that when being vegetarian is so healthy way of living life what's the harm in sparing animals.
I've always believed that asparagus has health benefits since it's a vegetable and vegetables are considered healthy. I didn't know its exact health benefits until I read your hub. Very informative post indeed. I love it when I boil the asparagus and dip it into a mayonnaise. yummy!
I love asparagus, it tastes so good. But it does make my wee smell
With a long shot, one on the best article l have run into on this noteworthy topic. I quite go in addition to with your assumptions and will thirstily will enjoy your approaching updates. Saying thanks won't just be adequate, for that tremendous clarity in a person's writing. I will instantly grab your feed to stay abreast connected with any updates. Admirable work and much success inside your business efforts!
I love asparagus. And they are very good for health. What a combination!
Thank you for this hub! I just discovered it and enjoyed learning about asparagus' health benefits. I love asparagus...in stir-fry, roasted w/olive oil, or chopped up in a salad!
Thanks for a great read!
Hi,
great info....i will follow the instructions and thanks for the good news...
www.ultimateantiagingspa.com/
Excellent healthy information.......yes I agree that involving Asparagus in your daily meal helps you avoid many diseases.....Thanks.
Great article. I love asparagus. This is a favorite and you have given me even more reason to love it. Thanks for another useful article. Teresa
love asparagus -
special white asparagus.
thanks for sharing.
become your fan now
Cheers
I need help when I eat asparagus it makes my urine smell bad can anyone help me out on this I love to eat the stuff but cant stand the smell afterwards thanks big d
Amazing! That is how asparagus contributes to health. Nice hub.
Well done hub! Nice work
Informative hub.well done
Thanks for sharing. Good lens.
I love asparagus, especially grilled. Hmm, I should eat more of them now because I need to get rid of my belly fat. Thanks for sharing!
I enjoyed reading your articles. This is truly a great read for me. I have bookmarked it and I am looking forward to reading new articles. Keep up the good work!
very informative. Very good article.
Sounds amazing.
Ron from http://www.intervalstraining.net
"Pills should only be used as a supplement and not in the place of whole foods."
I couldn't have wrote it any better myself.
Good job and keep up the good writing.
Brilliant article. I went through the post.
This insightful information has really
helped me.Thanks for sharing.
My website is about cure gout naturally
I just recently developed a taste for asparagus. Oh, I wish I had YEARS ago!! Since eating it...I am no longer on diuretics, have lost ALOT of weight (especially around the belly), and truly believe it is helping me fight my cancer. I just feel BETTER overall when I have eaten a healthy portion for supper...or even alone as a snack. And since eating it...I crave OTHER greens...simply amazing. Just wish I would have started YEARS ago.
Thanx so much I love it after reading this, love it even more!!!
Would like to know more about its belly busting properties, how much should I eat, steamed vs raw, etc. I am male and fighting hard to get rid of stomach fat. This info has motivated me
Seems to help with acid reflux.
Hi moon daisy!! im so glad to find out about new foods and how there benefits to help us in our health. Have a silly question Im a single mom just trying new things and i would like to buy some aspragus but not sure how to prepare them and cook them. If anybody is reading this could maybe give a gal some advice thanks! Moon daisy thanks again for such great site!!!
Thank you for this great informative article. It's perfect for my book of eating healthy. I love collecting articles that help me every way possible to eat better. Love it! Voted up! Lisa
THAT'S WHY I LOVE ASPARAGUS! !
Great info, Asparagus is POWERFUL!
Oh my goodness really?! Then asparagus is my number 1 favorite green veggie! It not only tastes appealing but, has mega health benefits than I've seen! Since it detoxifies, no wonder why urine smells funky after...
I did don't know that's about good food,I love it!
Great hub, BkCreative! I love to add asparagus to my fresh vegetable juicing recipes. This is an easy way to gain maximum access to all the good stuff in them!
Laser teeth whitening training london specialists in the most advanced instant teeth whitening, teeth whitening manchester, tooth whitening, zoom and power tooth whitening now have a wide range of teeth bleaching with business and teeth whitening training provided, ipl laser skin and hair removal from london to scotland in uk
for more details please visit : http://www.allwhite3000.co.uk/
I love this vegetable roasted never tried it in liquid form. I just found out it is good as a detoxify, but I eat the whole thing stem and all. Is that bad? I can eat almost a whole bushel.





























































































Moon Daisy Level 5 Commenter 2 years ago
I love asparagus, so it's good to know that it's also good for me! So many health benefits I had no idea about. I was in Germany recently and they had an asparagus (spargel) market, it was so great, stalls and stalls of the stuff!
A great hub, thanks!