Asparagus Benefits for Health – Asparagus is classified as rarely consumed, and even sounds foreign to some people. Asparagus is no less great than other types of vegetables for the health benefits of the body.
Asparagus has a shape resembling a bamboo stick and is small and green and white. How to process this vegetable by boiling, baking, or sautéing. Asparagus can also be used as a mixture of soups and salads.
Asparagus is High in Nutrients
The benefits of asparagus cannot be separated from the nutritional content of this green vegetable which is high but low in calories. In addition, asparagus is a type of vegetable that is high in vitamins and minerals.
About 90 grams of cooked asparagus contains:
- Calories: 20
- Protein: 2.2 grams
- Fat: 0.2 grams
- Fiber: 1.8 g
- Vitamin C: 12% of recommended daily intake (RAH)
- Vitamin A: 18% of RAH
- Vitamin K: 57% of RAH
- Folate: 34% of RAH
- Potassium: 6% of RAH
- Phosphorus: 5% of RAH
- Vitamin E: 7% of RAH
Not only that, but asparagus also contains iron and zinc, although the levels are only small. When viewed from the nutritional content, asparagus contains a lot of vitamin K, which is good for bone health.
Potential Benefits
The various nutrients contained in asparagus make this vegetable have various benefits that are good for the health of the body.
Some of the benefits of asparagus for health:
1. Prevent Chronic Disease
Asparagus contains antioxidants, such as vitamin C, flavonoids, and polyphenols, which are good for protecting body cells from damage caused by exposure to free radicals.
Prolonged exposure to free radicals can trigger damage to body cells and increase the risk of developing chronic diseases, such as diabetes and kidney disease.
2. Launching the Digestive Tract
Asparagus has a fairly high fiber content and is known to be useful for smoothing the digestive tract. Therefore, regularly consuming fibrous foods, such as asparagus, can make it easier for you to have a bowel movement and avoid the risk of constipation.
3. Maintain the Health of the Fetus
Nutrients such as folate contained in asparagus are very beneficial for the health of pregnant women and the fetus. To grow and develop healthily, during early pregnancy pregnant women are advised to consume lots of nutrients such as folate. Pregnant women who consume enough folate can protect their fetuses from the risk of neural tube defects, such as spina bifida.
4. Prevent the Growth of Cancer Cells
The content of glutathione in asparagus is good for preventing the growth of cancer cells and removing toxic substances from the body. Even so, the benefits of asparagus still need further research.
To avoid cancer, you are still advised to live a healthy lifestyle and regularly check your health with the doctor.
5. Keep Blood Pressure Stable
The content of the amino acid asparagine in asparagus which acts as a natural diuretic can stimulate the body to remove water, and toxic substances through urine and get rid of excess salt. Reducing salt levels in the body can keep blood pressure stable.
Not only that, but the diuretic effect of asparagus also makes you urinate more frequently. That way, the risk of getting a urinary tract infection is reduced because the bacteria in the urinary tract will come out with the urine. The diuretic effect is also good for dealing with problems in the urinary tract.
6. Control Blood Sugar
Asparagus will not make blood sugar rise drastically because Asparagus is a food with a low glycemic index. In addition, asparagus is also rich in complex carbohydrates, antioxidants, and fiber which can maintain blood sugar stability and prevent blood sugar levels from increasing.
7. Maintain Weight
Asparagus is a vegetable that is low in calories and high in fiber, so it is good for preventing weight gain. If you’re trying to lose weight or diet, there’s nothing wrong with adding asparagus to your diet.
In addition to the various benefits above, the high content of calcium and vitamin K in asparagus can also play a role in the blood clotting process during injury and increase bone strength.
Asparagus is one type of food that is good for consumption to maintain a healthy body. However, some people may have an allergy to this vegetable. Even so, cases of asparagus allergy are rare.
If you want to know more about the nutrition and benefits of asparagus, you can ask your doctor. Doctors can also tell you the right amount of asparagus consumption according to your condition.
