Health Benefits of Asparagus

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It’s a welcoming sign of spring when asparagus bunches start appearing by the droves in markets, and an even better sign when they crop up in backyard gardens everywhere, much to the delight of everyone with a green thumb. Speaking of green, these vividly verdant stalks are pillars of strength when it comes to nutrition, due to their high antioxidant activity and vitamin and mineral content. An age-old herbal remedy used in India and other countries to treat various diseases, this widely consumed vegetable has much healing potential, from its tougher bottom parts up to its leaves. (Source)

Asparagus for Brain Health

Because of its high anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capacity, asparagus has been explored in research as a potential treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. One study investigated the effects of enzyme-treated asparagus extract on neuronal cells, and found that the extract produced neuroprotective effects, alleviated cell damage and prevented cognitive impairment in mice. (Source)

Asparagus for Diabetes Treatment

Ever the versatile vegetable, asparagus also shows great potential as a treatment for type-2 diabetes. One study administered asparagus seed extract to rats with type-2 diabetes, and found that the extract suppressed elevated blood glucose and improved serum insulin levels. A conclusion was made from the study results that asparagus extract treatment was very similar to glibenclamide, and anti-diabetic drug, suggesting the potential of asparagus in treating type-2 diabetes. (Source)

Asparagus for Detoxification

Hangover cures usually conjure images of fatty foods and protein, but asparagus is actually a remedy for this type of cell toxicity. One study analyzed the effects of asparagus shoot and leaf extract on liver cell toxicity, and found the asparagus treatment to significantly alleviate cell toxicity. Additionally, the extract was shown to upregulate the activities of two key alcohol-metabolizing enzymes. The evidence of this study suggests the potential of asparagus as an excellent hangover and liver toxicity treatment. (Source)

Asparagus for Cancer Prevention

Much research has gathered evidence of the cancer-combatting activities of asparagus due to its antioxidant content. One study investigated the effects of asparagus saponins on human leukemia cells, and found the saponins to prevent tumor growth. (Source) Another study showed asparagus polysaccharide, one of the most active components of the plant, to inhibit growth of liver tumors and to promote cell apoptosis. (Source)

Asparagus for Antifungal Activity

Saponins are found in the bottom parts of asparagus that are usually thrown out, but these tougher parts of the shoots actually contain a wealth of health-promoting properties. In addition to cancer prevention, asparagus saponins also have antifungal activity, as shown by one study. (Source)

NUTRITIONAL PROFILE

1 cup (134 g) asparagus, raw

Calories: 27
Total Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0g
Sodium: 3mg
Total Carbohydrate: 5g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 3g
Protein: 3g
Vitamin A: 20% Daily Value
Vitamin C: 13%
Vitamin E: 8%
Vitamin K: 70%
Thiamin: 13%
Riboflavin: 11%
Niacin: 7%
Vitamin B6: 6%
Folate: 17%
Pantothenic Acid: 4%
Calcium: 3%
Iron: 16%
Magnesium: 5%
Phosphorous: 7%
Potassium: 8%
Copper: 13%
Manganese: 11%
Selenium: 4%