Health benefits and benefits of asparagus

Asparagus, or asparagus, is a perennial herbaceous (less commonly shrub) plant belonging to the family of asparagus. The plant is cultivated everywhere, today there are about 100 species of asparagus. Among the available diversity, there are inedible specimens, so the asparagus must be chosen correctly. As the plant is gaining popularity, many are wondering about the benefits and harms of asparagus.

Composition, calorie content and value of the elements

100 gr. asparagus accounts for 21 to 33 Kcal., the final value varies depending on the type of crop. Most of the asparagus is water, it is given 92.6 grams. In asparagus there are proteins (about 2 grams), carbohydrates (3 grams), vegetable fibers, fats, ash, organic acids. The plant includes a lot of microelements and only one macro element - iron.

Incoming items, their benefits

Phosphorus - improves the functioning of the digestive system, suppresses food fermentation processes in the intestines, fights flatulence and other disorders of this type. The element is responsible for physical activity and mental abilities. Phosphorus transforms the carbohydrates obtained from food into energy, preventing them from being deposited in the form of plaques on the vascular walls.

Calcium - is responsible for the proper formation of the skeleton. The substance strengthens the bones and fills microcracks (holes) in their structure. The element is responsible for the peripheral nervous system. Calcium strengthens teeth, nails, hair. However, if you overestimate the dosage, you can get toxic calcium poisoning.

Potassium - a substance contributes to the well-functioning of the brain, improves memory and visual perception, enhances concentration. Potassium is necessary for a person to control the activity of the heart and the vascular system. The trace element frees the liver from harmful decomposition products, prevents the deposition of stones and sand in the kidneys. It is good for pregnant women to eat asparagus to prevent birth defects of the CNS in the fetus.

Magnesium - an element is vital because it controls tissue regeneration at the cellular level. Magnesium tightens the membranes of the blood channels, accelerates the production of red blood cells, improves immunity. As a result of regular consumption of asparagus increases the body's resistance to viruses.

Sodium - the content of this substance in the human body reaches 0.85% of the total body weight. The element is necessary for the correct functioning of internal organs and systems. Sodium deficiency leads to frequent headaches and migraines, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, reduced sensitivity of taste and olfactory receptors.

Iron - the only macroelement reduces the risk of anemia (anemia) in children and adults. Iron is an integral part of blood cells. If you eat asparagus every day, you will accelerate all metabolic processes in the body and carry out an excellent prevention of breast, lung and brain cancer.

Incoming vitamins, their benefits

Tocopherol is a vitamin E that is involved in the activity of the thymus gland.Tocopherol forms cells of the immune system and is also a natural antioxidant. Vitamin E increases blood circulation, strengthens blood vessels and capillaries, and is involved in the prevention of the formation of malignant tumors. Antioxidant removes toxic compounds from the liver, cleans the kidneys due to its light diuretic action.

Ascorbic acid - vitamin C, which directly affects the human immune system. Ascorbic acid increases the protective functions of the body, increasing resistance to influenza and beriberi. Only 2 stalks of asparagus are able to compensate for the lack of this vitamin for 5 days ahead. Also ascorbic evens the tone and relief of the face, eliminates hair loss and dandruff.

Carodinoids - beta-carotene, which is responsible for a person’s vision, is considered an ardent representative. The element is needed to strengthen the eye muscles and retina. Carotenoids prevent cataracts and moisten the eyeball (useful for people working on PC). Also, enzymes increase blood flow to cells, promote muscle growth and weight loss. Beta-carotene does not allow free radicals to be put off, destroying them.

Retinol - vitamin A, which fights for the beauty of hair, nails, skin. Retinol accelerates the production of collagen fibers and elastin, thereby improving the condition of the dermis. Vitamin A smoothes wrinkles, removes the earthy skin tone. The element fights dandruff and alopecia, prevents the occurrence of seborrhea and other similar ills.

Nicotinic acid - vitamin PP has the ability to dilate blood vessels in the brain and, as a result, reduce blood pressure and headaches. Niacin is actively involved in the development of serotonin - the hormone of happiness and joy. When nicotinic acid enters the blood, the mood and "fighting spirit" rises.

Riboflavin - forms red blood cells, is responsible for the synthesis of DNA, improves the functioning of the eye muscles and urgency in general. Vitamin B2 enhances female and male reproductive function, therefore, asparagus must be consumed in case of problems with conception.

Thiamine - vitamin B1, which has an antioxidant effect. Thiamine removes toxins and poisons from the cavity of internal organs, frees the body from free radicals. Thiamine is used in the preparation of cancer drugs, because it blocks the access of blood to malignant tumors.Vitamin B1 deficiency leads to excessive excitability, insomnia, impaired perception, loss of memory, numbness of the hands and feet.

The benefits of asparagus

1. Iron in combination with magnesium is responsible for the level of hemoglobin in the blood. Asparagus should be eaten by girls in order to compensate for the lack of substances during menstruation.
2. Nicotinic acid, which is part, reduces the likelihood of blockage of blood vessels. This quality allows you to prevent atherosclerosis, as well as reduce discomfort during varicose veins.
3. Asparagus lowers blood pressure, dilutes blood and relieves muscle spasms. Asparagus helps to recover quickly after a workout, as when taking amino acids.
4. The value of asparagus is also noted for the digestive system. Asparagus gently cleanses the intestinal tract, removes even heavy waste, toxic substances. Dietary and vegetable fibers cleanse the liver of harmful decomposition products.
5. Vitamin PP normalizes the central nervous system. As a result of systematic consumption, resistance to stress is increased, insomnia is reduced, the psycho-emotional background as a whole is normalized.
6. Asparagus favorably affects the sensory system. Incoming retinol increases visual acuity and strengthens the retina, protects the skin from the action of ultraviolet radiation.
7. It is useful to eat asparagus for respiratory diseases. Asparagus helps to remove mucus from the bronchi, clears the lungs of tar (valuable for smokers). Similar properties are due to the saponin entering the vegetable.
8. Asparagus contains very few carbohydrates, so the plant is widely used in the preparation of menus for diabetics. As a result of frequent consumption, sharp sugar jumps are excluded.
9. Ascorbic acid in combination with vitamin A and beta-carotene increase the protective functions of the body. As a result, a person is easier to tolerate vitamin deficiency in the offseason and periods of spread of ARVI.
10. Asparagus needs to be consumed by dieters. A low number of calories and a mild laxative effect help cleanse the body and break down fatty plaques.
11. Vegetable is considered a natural aphrodisiac, as a result of which sexual activity increases in men and women. Asparagus makes a person attractive in the eyes of the opposite sex, and also improves blood flow to the pelvic organs.
12. Calcium in combination with phosphorus and iron increase the strength of bone tissue, contribute to the rapid set of muscle mass. The listed macro-and microelements positively affect the heart.

Harm asparagus

Despite the above positive qualities, asparagus can harm the human body.

1. Asparagus contains a lot of sulfur, which accumulates in the body and goes in place with sweat through the glands. As a result, the body begins to smell not very pleasant. However, this quality does not prevent Europeans from enjoying asparagus.
2. Asparagus should not be eaten by individuals who have periodic allergies or complete individual intolerance to this plant.
3. It is worth rejecting vegetables by people with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, cystitis, rheumatism of the joints, prostatitis, gastritis. If you are not aware of your diseases, go for an examination in advance.
4. To bring the body only benefit, choose high-quality shoots. They must be firm to the touch without obvious signs of seeds and dried edges.

Asparagus will benefit your body if you cook it properly.You can blanch the product for a few minutes or bake asparagus in the oven. Some housewives prefer to cook shoots, it all depends on personal preference. The main thing before use exclude contraindications.

Video: useful properties of asparagus