The benefits and harms of asparagus for the human body

There are about 200 types of asparagus (or asparagus) in nature, but not many of them are in demand: green, soy, bean. Plant It has a rich vitamin composition and is famous for its medicinal properties.

The vegetable is recommended for many diseases, including diabetes, atherosclerosis and high blood pressure. The product is equally useful for men, women, children and the elderly. Read more about the properties and use of asparagus below.

Types of Asparagus

There are several varieties asparagusconsumed as food:

1. White - considered a delicacy in many European countries, it is grown in loose, well-fertilized soil. Ripening period: from March to June.
2. Green - has medicinal properties and contains a large number of useful substances. It is recommended for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, for vision problems, and for strengthening the immune system.
3. Purple - has a bitter taste and, when cooked, acquires a green tint. Asparagus is grown mainly in the dark, so the plant produces special pigment substances - anthocyanins, which give it a blue-violet color.
4. Marine - grows on sea coasts or salt marshes (in soil with a high salt content), therefore it has a salty taste. It is consumed both raw and cooked.
5. Soy. The product is obtained by processing soybeans, which are soaked for a long time and then thoroughly ground to obtain a homogeneous consistency. The resulting mass is compressed and soy milk is separated, on the surface of which foams form when boiled - they are collected and dried for 1-2 weeks. The dried product is soy asparagus, which has nothing to do with real asparagus. This product - funchu - is used to prevent osteoporosis, cardiovascular and cancer diseases.

Chemical composition, calorie content, nutritional value of asparagus

The plant has a rich chemical composition.

Nutritional value per 100 g of plant (daily value):

• proteins - 2.02%;
• fats - 0.14%;
• carbohydrates - 2.17%;
• water - 3.34%.

The calorie content of 100 g of product is 21 kcal.

Useful properties of asparagus

Thanks to its diverse composition, asparagus brings invaluable benefits to the body. Here are its main properties:

1. Prevents anemia — a large amount of iron in the composition helps to increase the level of hemoglobin in the blood and prevents the development of anemia.
2. Fights atherosclerosis — nicotinic acid in the composition prevents the formation of cholesterol plaques in blood vessels and eliminates the symptoms of varicose veins.
3. Reduces pressure — when consumed regularly, thins the blood, reduces muscle spasms and lowers blood pressure.
4. Improves digestion — dietary fiber in the composition gently cleanses the intestines and liver, removes toxins and waste from the body.
5. Improves the functioning of the nervous system — the complex of vitamins in the composition normalizes the functioning of the central nervous system, resulting in increased resistance to stress, reduced symptoms of depression, improved sleep and a person’s psycho-emotional state.
6. Useful for vision — thanks to the high content of retinol, it strengthens the retina of the eyes and increases visual acuity, preventing the development of glaucoma and cataracts.
7. Prevents diseases of the respiratory system — regular consumption of asparagus in food helps remove mucus accumulated in the bronchi and cleanses the lungs of tar (which is especially important for smokers).
8. Suitable for vegetarians — the composition contains a lot of vegetable protein, vital for people who do not eat meat.
9. Fits for diabetics — due to the minimal carbohydrate content, the plant does not provoke an increase in blood sugar levels, therefore asparagus is indicated for people suffering from diabetes.
10. Strengthens immunity — when consumed regularly, it increases the body’s defenses, preventing colds and infectious diseases (including during an epidemic of influenza and ARVI).
11. Promotes losing weight - due to its low calorie content, asparagus is included in the diet for losing weight. It speeds up metabolism and activates the process of fat breakdown.
12. Strengthens bones - promotes rapid recovery from fractures and prevents the development of osteoporosis (a chronic disease characterized by decreased bone density).
13. Protects against UV exposure in the summer-spring period, simultaneously reducing the risk of cancer.

The beneficial properties of asparagus do not end there: the plant is used in cosmetology, folk medicine and other fields.

Important! Regular consumption of the product helps remove excess fluid from the body, improves the function of the kidneys and urinary system.

The benefits of asparagus for different categories of the population

Depending on age and gender, asparagus has different effects on the human body.

For men

Beneficial properties for men:

• improves potency and stimulates sexual desire;
• normalizes the functioning of the prostate gland and prevents the development of prostatitis;
• has a positive effect on sperm motility.

Asparagus is useful for problems with conception, difficulty urinating, inflammatory processes of the prostate gland, etc. The product is recommended for consumption by men over 40 years of age.

For women

Beneficial properties for women:

• regulates the production of sex hormones;
• alleviates the condition of PMS and menopause;
• prevents bloating;
• reduces pain during menstruation;
• improves mood and normalizes hormonal levels.

The product is indicated for women of different ages.

Interesting fact! The juice of the plant is used to make homemade cosmetics. Creams, lotions, masks and other products improve skin condition, reduce inflammatory formations on the face and neck, stop hair loss, etc.

For pregnant and lactating women

Due to its rich chemical composition, the product has the following effects on pregnant and lactating women:

• improves blood composition;
• promotes the correct formation of the organs of the nascent organism in the womb;
• normalizes the tone of the uterus, preventing miscarriage;
• prevents the development of brain defects in the fetus.

However, it is better for nursing mothers to avoid asparagus or consume it in minimal quantities, as the baby may experience allergic reactions (if the product enters the body along with breast milk), bloating and increased gas production.

For the elderly

Benefits for the elderly:

• has an anti-inflammatory effect in arthritis and rheumatism;
• reduces pain;
• prevents the appearance and progression of ophthalmological diseases (glaucoma, cataracts);
• normalizes heartbeat;
• reduces blood pressure;
• promotes the removal of sand from the kidneys and bladder.

Therefore, for older people, asparagus is a natural source of health and vitality.

For children

The plant is enriched with a complex of vitamins and minerals, therefore it is vital for the child’s body.

Beneficial properties for children:

• strengthens the immune system and helps fight colds;
• helps with vitamin deficiency;
• charges the child with excellent mood and energy for the whole day;
• has a positive effect on the liver and nervous system;
• normalizes visual functions;
• strengthens bone and cartilage tissue;
• accelerates skin regeneration;
• improves digestion (because asparagus stalks contain coarse fiber necessary for the intestines);
• has a weak diuretic effect.

Asparagus is gradually introduced into the child’s diet upon reaching the age of two, starting with small portions. It is advisable to boil or steam it, but not to serve it raw.

How to eat asparagus

The product is prepared in different ways: boiled, fried, baked, steamed, marinate etc.To prepare the green variety, shoots of the plant are usually used, while the white variety uses both shoots and stems.

Helpful advice! Boiled asparagus is recommended to be added to soups, salads or desserts. Cooking greens is quite simple: tie the shoots into a bunch and put them in boiling water (the tops are steamed). Cooking takes 3-8 minutes.

Applications of asparagus

The plant is widely used both in cosmetology and in folk medicine.

In folk medicine

In folk medicine, the product is used as follows:

• as a diuretic (make decoctions and infusions);
• to enhance potency (the fruits of the plant are infused and taken orally);
• with inflammation of the gallbladder.

In cosmetology

In cosmetology, asparagus is used to eliminate cellulite (prepare a decoction and wipe the affected areas of the skin with it), to rejuvenate and even out skin tone (mix with other ingredients and use as cosmetic masks).

Who is asparagus contraindicated for and what harm can it cause to the body?

Despite the undoubted benefits of asparagus, it is not suitable for everyone. Asparagus is contraindicated:

• in case of individual intolerance to the product and in case of allergic reactions;
• for gastrointestinal diseases (gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcers);
• for cystitis and renal colic;
• when breastfeeding;
• in childhood (up to 2 years);
• for cancer in advanced form.

The product is harmful to the body because it provokes itching and inflammation in allergy sufferers - red itchy spots appear on the face and body. In case of exacerbation of inflammatory processes in the gastrointestinal tract, the drug has an irritating effect on the walls of the stomach and intestines.

Another negative property is that with frequent consumption of the product, an unpleasant odor begins to emanate from the body, since the composition contains a large amount of sulfur, which is released through the pores of the skin.

Conclusion

Asparagus is a healthy product containing a complex of vitamins and microelements. It is recommended to be used for the treatment and prevention of various diseases: for atherosclerosis, anemia, diabetes, for weight loss, strengthening the immune system, improving digestion, etc.

Asparagus is used not only for medical purposes, but also for cosmetic purposes (to improve the condition of hair and skin). The main thing is to correctly calculate the proportions of ingredients, not to overuse the product and take into account existing contraindications.