Asparagus is an extremely healthy plant that comes in three colors green, white and purple.
Asparagus is low in calories and filled with many essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients.
This article contains Health Benefits of Asparagus as per research.
Nutritional Facts about Asparagus –
Asparagus is low in calories and has a lot of beneficial nutrients and minerals. Half a cup of cooked asparagus contains –
• Calories -20
• Fat – 0.2 grams
• Fiber -1.9 grams
• Folate – 35% of the RDI
• Phosphorous – 6% of the RDI
• Potassium – 7% of the RDI
• Protein – 2.1 grams
• Vitamin A – 19% of the RDI
• Vitamin C – 11% of the RDI
• Vitamin E – 8% of the RDI
• Vitamin K – 60% of the RDI
• A small amounts of iron, zinc, and riboflavin.
1. Good Source of Antioxidants
Asparagus comes in the category of green plants which are high in antioxidants. Such antioxidants contain such properties which will help you protect your cells from the harmful effects of free radicals and oxidative stress.
Oxidative stress can lead to aging, inflammation and also cancer.
2. Avoids cancer
Asparagus contains flavonoids and polyphenols which help in fighting against the cancerous cell and thus avoid it from getting spread. It also has antioxidant effects in the body.
3. Lowers blood pressure
Asparagus also contains flavonoids and polyphenols which help in lowering blood pressure.
4. Lowers risk of heart diseases
It also reduces blood pressure and the risk of heart attacks and heart disease.
5. Can Improve Digestive Health
Asparagus contains dietary fiber which is necessary for good digestive health.
Asparagus is high in insoluble fiber; therefore it helps in regular bowel movements.
This may help in reducing the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes in your body.
6. Helps Support a Healthy Pregnancy
Asparagus is an excellent source of folate, (vitamin B9). By just consuming half a cup of asparagus it can satisfy up to 22% of daily folate needs of a pregnant woman.
Folate is an essential nutrient which helps in the formation of red blood cells and produces DNA for a healthy development of growing fetus. Therefore, asparagus is important during the early stages of pregnancy to ensure the healthy development of the baby.
Such foods can protect your baby against neural tube defects, like spina bifida.
Folate is so important during pre-pregnancy and early pregnancy that folate supplements are recommended to make sure that women meet their requirements.
7. Helps Lower Blood Pressure
Asparagus contains potassium, which helps in lowering high blood pressure.
8. Can Help You Lose Weight
Asparagus is very low in calories (i.e. 20 calories in half a cup) and it is also rich in fiber thus it helps you in losing weight. All of these points are to explain the importance of Asparagus in our diet.