Asparagus Benefits

Asparagus benefits

Warning: Although asparagus benefits us in the many ways listed below, you should avoid it if you have kidney or liver disease, as it can cause negative complications.  Always be sure to consult your doctor about dietary changes if you have a condition you believe may be involved with asparagus use. 

Heart Benefits

The asparagus is, to begin, filled with beneficial agents that aid and protect the heart.  People taking steamed asparagus daily have shown increases in the strength of their heart and fewer heart related problems, as opposed to those who did not have asparagus as part of their diets.  

Always be sure to consult your doctor before adding any agents that may have complicating effects when combined with heart medications.

Cancer Fighting and Preventing Properties

Asparagus is the real deal when it comes to cancer as well.  It is loaded with antioxidants that prevent the break down and weakening of cells through the process of oxidation.  This, in turn, lowers the levels of dangerous free radicals in the body and bolsters the body’s disease fighting ability by keeping cells from becoming compromised in the first place.  

Diuretic Properties

Asparagus also works well as a diuretic, helping loosen stoles and increase motility.  It does this in part because of its high fiber content.  When taken it can help cleanse the intestinal tract.

Asparagus benefits our blood as well because it contains a chemical agent, appropriately called asparagin, which helps lower the level of acidity in the blood.  Asparagin is often compared to nitrogen as a chemical agent.

Arthritis?

Some research indicates that asparagus helps if you have painful joint pain.  These researchers believe the potassium content in steamed asparagus helps reduce the inflammation that exacerbates much arthritis pain.  You should be sure not to boil it, however, as this weakens the active levels of potassium.

However, many other arthritis experts believe that asparagus may actually increase the joint pain resulting from arthritis.  Consult with your physician before adding asparagus to your diet if you suffer from rheumatism.

Blood Pressure

Studies have also shown that potassium has a great deal of benefit for blood pressure and hypertension.  For this reason, physicians often recommend asparagus as a regular part of your diet if you have high blood pressure.

Stroke

Some recent studies also seem to suggest that potassium levels may play a role in the reduction of the number and severity of stroke in older patients. Because asparagus sometimes acts as a blood thinner this may help prevent the clots responsible for stroke.  Consult your doctor.

Healthy for Women

Because of its high levels of potassium, asparagus is especially helpful for women.  It is believed that asparagus may help with infertility and once a woman gives birth with the production of milk during breastfeeding.  Asparagus has also been known to relieve menstrual cramps in some women.

Sexual Aid

Asparagus, by itself, has long been considered an aphrodisiac because of its shape.  (Psychologists believe it has gives subconscious impetus to male sexual desire.)  However, it turns out that the dried root of asparagus may also help thicken male coital discharge and thus help prevent impotence.  Not that you really needed any more incentive to add asparagus to your diet.

Perhaps with this knowledge you will no longer overlook the humble asparagus or think of it as only a simple garnish to your meal.