Asparagus

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Asparagus

Other Names: Asparagus officinalis, Asparagi Rhizoma Root, Asperge, Asperge Comestible, Asperge Commune, Asperge Officinale, Asperges, Espárrago, Espárragos, Garden Asparagus, Spargelkraut, Spargelwurzelstock, Sparrow Grass, Radix Asparagi, Asparagus Tuber, Shiny Asparagus Tuber, Tian Men Dong
Asparagus is a plant. The newly formed shoots (spears), root, and “underground stems” (rhizomes) are used to make medicine.
See also : Tian Men Dong

Special Precautions of Asparagus

  • Avoid if suffering from diarrhoea.
  • Breast Cancer : There could be a link between asparagine (which is found in the vegetable) and spreading an aggressive form of breast cancer in the body : asparagine wasn't found to cause cancer, even in the mice studied but the compound merely made triple-negative breast cancer spread more quickly around the tiny rodent bodies.
  • Asparagus can cause allergic reactions when eaten as a vegetable or used on the skin.
  • Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Asparagus is UNSAFE to use in medicinal amounts during pregnancy. Asparagus extracts have been used for birth control, so they might harm hormone balances during pregnancy.
  • Not enough is known about the safety of using asparagus in medicinal amounts during breast-feeding. It’s best to stick to food amounts.
  • Allergy to onions, leeks, and related plants: Asparagus might cause an allergic reaction in people who are sensitive to other members of the Liliaceae family including onions, leeks, garlic, and chives.
  • Lithium interacts with Asparagus.

The benefits of Asparagus are

Anti-Inflammatory : Asparagus not only tastes delicious, but is also a wonderful source of nutrients for a healthy body and mind. Asparagus contains many anti-inflammatory nutrients, such as asparagus saponins and the flavonoids quercetin, rutin, laempferol and isorhamnetin, which all help to combat arthritis, asthma, and autoimmune diseases. Here are nine reasons to steam a cup of asparagus with your chicken.

  • Antioxidants : Glutathione, found in asparagus, contains three amino acids (glumatic acid, glycine and cysteine) that combine into one molecule that serves as a powerful oxidation-reduction agent in our bodies.Along with the antioxidants vitamin C, vitamin A (beta-carotene), zinc, manganese and selenium, the glutathione in asparagus fights against free radicals that cause aging and "cellular rust."
  • anti-inflammatory : asparagus is rich in anti-inflammatory properties. The saponins, quercetin, rutin, isorhamnetin and kaempferol found in any asparagus stalks are protecting the body from too much inflammation.
  • Cancer : It is well-known that chronic inflammation and oxidation of the body's cells can lead to a variety of different cancers. With its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, asparagus is a robust fighter against bladder, breast, colon, lung, prostate, ovarian and other cancers. But other studies found that asparagine (which is found in the vegetable) may help spread an aggressive form of breast cancer in the body (see precautions).
  • Heart Health : Folate, a B complex vitamin, is essential for a healthy cardiovascular system and is found in abundance in asparagus (one cup contains 66% of the RDA of folate). Firstly, it is involved in a biochemical event called the methylation cycle, which allows for the proper transcription of DNA, the transformation of norepinephrine to adrenalin and the transformation of serotonin to melatonin. Secondly, folate regulates the amino acid homocysteine, which in high levels can be a strong risk factor in heart disease. And finally, B vitamins such as choline, biotin, and pantothenic acid manage our blood sugar levels by effectively metabolizing sugars and starches.
  • High Cholesterol : A number of studies indicate that asparagus extract may help reduce levels of harmful blood fats that contribute to heart disease, such as LDL ("bad") cholesterol. In a study published in Phytotherapy Research in 2011, for example, researchers gave asparagus extract to a group of mice on a high-fat diet. After eight weeks of treatment, the mice showed a significant decrease in total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, as well as an increase in HDL ("good") cholesterol.
  • Birth Defects : Folate is also essential for proper cellular division. Healthy servings of asparagus can prevent a folate-deficiency, which has been linked to birth defects such as spina bifida (a congenital defect in which the spinal cord is exposed through a gap in the backbone).
  • Diuretic : The amino acid asparagine, found in asparagus, is an effective diuretic and has been historically used to treat swelling, arthritis, rheumatism, and PMS-related water retention.
  • Diet and Digestion : Asparagus contains a natural prebiotic fiber known as inulin, which feeds good bacteria and helps to eliminate harmful bacteria. Inulin encourages the growth of Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli, two bacteria that boost nutrient absorption, lower the risk of allergy and colon cancer, and help prevent unfriendly bacteria from taking hold in our intestinal tract. Furthermore, one cup of asparagus contains over 11% of the RDA of dietary fiber and almost 10% of the RDA of protein. The healthy fiber and protein content of asparagus stabilizes our digestion, curbs overeating, maintains a low blood sugar and prevents constipation. And finally, one cup of asparagus also contains only 43 calories.
  • Preventing kidney stones.
  • Acne, when applied to the skin.
  • Skin : Face cleaning, when applied to the skin and improves skin tone.
  • Vitamin K : Asparagus is an excellent source of vitamin K (providing 114% of the RDA in one cup), which is necessary for the synthesis of osteocalcin, a protein that strengthens the composition of our bones. Furthermore, vitamin K prevents calcium build-up in our tissue that can lead to atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease and stroke.
  • Vitamin C : As mentioned above, asparagus contains a healthy dose of the strong antioxidant vitamin C (over 30% of the RDA). Other health benefits associated with vitamin C are a lower blood pressure, healthy immune system, and resistance to age-related ocular diseases, such as cataracts and macular degeneration.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Enhances fertility and prevents miscarriage by nourishing and strengthening female reproductive organs.
  • Useful in decreased libido, threatened miscarriage, leucorrhea, menorrhagia dysmenorrhea and menstrual irregularity.
  • As it supplies oestrogen hormone and balances female hormonal system, it is good for women with menopausal problems and for those who have had hysterectomy and oophorectomy.
  • Helps to relieve PMS (premenstrual syndrome) symptoms.
  • Great galactogogue (increases the production of breast milk in lactating women).
  • Good post-partum tonic.
  • Best herb for the treatment of impotency, low sperm count, spermatorrhea and sexual debility in men.
  • Cures hyperacidity, gastric ulcers, colitis, and crohn’s disease because of its anti- inflammatory and demulcent properties.
  • As it soothes the membranes of respiratory tract, it is quite useful in treating chronic dry cough, sore throat and bronchitis.
  • Useful in hematuria and dysuria.
  • Excellent rejuvenator of the body and a nervine tonic too.
  • Benefits eyesight.
  • Effective hemostatic-cold potency of Shatavari helps to stop all sorts of bleeding (systemic and local) by constricting the blood vessels.
  • Shatavari stimulates macrophage action and thus helps to combat various candida infections.
  • It helps fight diabetes : One of the nutrients that asparagus is loaded of is the B-vitamin. As it turns out, vitamins B1 and folic acid is highly rich in asparagus. Vitamins B2, B3 and B6 are also high in every stalk of asparagus. All B-vitamins are necessary for the proper regulation of blood sugar in the body.
  • 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.
  • promotes easy digestion : Asparagus is rich in inulin. It is a type of carbohydrate that is not broken down at the upper portion of the digestive system. It can easily pass through the digestive tract and then stays at the lower portion of the system, at the large ingesting level. At this stage, inulin starts to break down and becomes the food of Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria. With these bacteria surviving due to inulin, there is proper absorption of nutrients at the colon level.
  • It also helps in treating HIV and multiple sclerosis and prevents scurvy and lung cancer.
  • Hangovers : Asparagus extract may help alleviate alcohol-induced hangovers and shield liver cells from the toxic effects of alcohol consumption, suggests a preliminary study published in the Journal of Food Science in 2009. For the study, researchers tested the effects of extracts of asparagus shoots and leaves on human liver cells. Their findings indicate that asparagus extract may help rev up activity in enzymes involved in breaking down alcohol.