Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis) is a perennial spring vegetable in the genus Asparagus in the Asparagaceae family. The English word “asparagus” derives from the Medieval Latin sparagus, and the Persian asparag, meaning “sprout” or “shoot”. And just as a spear is used as a weapon, asparagus’s javelin-shaped form could be viewed as symbolic for its age- and disease-fighting abilities.
The green asparagus is commonly known but white asparagus is another variety that has a more delicate flavor and tender texture. It is generally found canned, and it is generally more expensive than the green variety since its production is more labor intensive. The other edible variety of asparagus is purple in color. It is much smaller than the green or white variety and features a fruitier flavor.
Asparagus has been prized as an epicurean delight and for its medicinal properties for almost 2000 years. Various species of asparagus were cultivated by Egyptian cultures beginning as early as 3000 B.C., and by European cultures including early Greek and Roman cultures. Asparagus also became particularly popular in France during the 18th century, in England and Germany around 16th century. Asparagus became available to the New World around 1850, in the United States.
ASPARAGUS’ LIBIDO BOOSTING AND 20 OTHER SECRETS:
- Improves Sexual Function: Asparagus contains folic acid triggers histamine production, improving the ability to reach orgasm in men and women. Asparagus increases the sperm count and helps in strengthening of female reproductive organs.
- Maintains pH Balance: The high alkalinity of this wonder juice is effective in reducing the acidity of the blood and helps cleanses the tissues and muscles, of waste and toxins.
- Anti Inflammatory: Asparagus has a unique phytochemical that has potent anti-inflammatory properties that helps relieve arthritis, rheumatism, Type 2 diabetes, heart diseases, gout, joint pain, tendonitis and bursitis.
- Assists Bowel Health: Asparagus has mild laxative effect and dietary fiber that provides for regular bowel movement and to cure disorders such as dropsy and irritable bowel syndrome. It contains a unique carb called Inulin, which feeds friendly bacteria that live in the large intestine, preventing yeast overgrowth, and maintaining a healthy digestive system.
- Anti Cancer: Asparagus is rich in anti-oxidants and glutathione, a detoxifying compound that helps break down carcinogens and other harmful compounds like free radicals, effectively fighting cancers affecting bones, breast, colon, larynx and lung.
- Vision Care: Vitamin A and antioxidants like carotenes, lutein and zea-xanthin, in asparagus prevents the progression of cataracts and other eye problems like night blindness.
- Anti Diabetes: Asparagus is a rich source of antioxidants and B vitamins, providing anti-diabetic effects by improving insulin secretion, regulating blood sugar levels and ß-cell function, and warding off Type 2 Diabetes.
- Diuretic: Asparagus juice contains high levels of the amino acid asparagines, which serves as a natural diuretic (increased urination) that break up oxalic acid crystals formed in the kidney, helps flush out the kidneys of toxins and excess salts, lowers blood pressure levels and helps prevent edema and dissolves kidney stones.
- Cardio Health Booster: Asparagus is very low in fat and sodium, rich source of soluble fiber, potassium, and folic acid that helps control blood pressure, lower bad (LDL) cholesterol and reduces blood homocysteine levels. The Vitamin K in asparagus is excellent for healthy blood clotting.
- Controls PMS Symptoms: Asparagus juice contains amino acid asparagines, a diuretic that helps relieve PMS related swelling and bloating, irritability, fatigue, depression, etc.Asparagus produces estrogen essential for women whose ovaries or uterus has been removed and cures the symptoms of menopause.
- Pregnant women: The high content of folate, calcium and other minerals in asparagus are essential for DNA cell synthesis, reducing the risk of birth defects and low birth weight, and increasing milk production in lactating mothers. The diuretic effect of asparagus juice helps in reducing water retention in pregnant women.
- Anti Aging: A potent antioxidant glutathione, in asparagus, protects the skin from sun damage, pollution, and the effects of aging. Folate along with vitamin B12, help our brains fight cognitive decline and prevent neuro degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
- Weight Loss: Along with its super low calorie and fat content, Asparagus contain inulin, a unique carbohydrate which passes through the body undigested until it reaches the large intestine and helps the body absorb nutrients, suppressing appetite and aiding weight loss.
- Skin Care: Asparagus contains Vitamin C and E that are a boon for your skin’s health, helping get rid of blemishes, cleansing the face, drying the sores, and treating acne and psoriasis, through detoxification of the liver.
- Bone Health: Asparagus is the richest source of Vitamin K, which helps in regulation of bone mineralization, and maintains healthy bone density. Vitamin C also boost collagen levels, critical for maintaining health and repair of connective tissues.
- Improves Immunity Levels: Asparagus is the best sources of rutin and Vitamin C that energize and protect the body from many infections like Scurvy. Asparagus contains iron that gives a boost to the immune system and prevents from anaemia.
- Relieves Fatigue: Asparagus has amino acids that neutralize ammonia, a toxin that causes fatigue. It is also a good source of potassium that is useful to fight against hypertension and nausea.
- Oral Care: Asparagus is considered the best medicinal remedy for fighting oral gum problems and to sooth toothache.
- Prevents Hair Fall: Making asparagus a part of your daily diet will go a long way in maintaining strong healthy hair.
- Effective Massage Oil: Massage with asparagus oil helps in reduction of inflammations, lower back pain, and in treating cases of sciatica and paralysis.
- Nutrient and Anti-Oxidant Source: Asparagus is a very good source of fiber, folate, iron, manganese, vitamins A, C, E and K, and chromium. Fresh asparagus is the richest source of anti-oxidants like carotenes, lutein, zea-xanthin, and crypto-xanthins, useful to kill free radicals and protect from cancer, neuro diseases, and viral infections.
Side Effects and Precautions:
- Urine Odor: Some people experience a typical odor in their urine after consuming asparagus, which occurs due to a specific sulfur-containing amino acid derivative of methionine, which the body produces during the breakdown of the asparagus. No research studies have suggested a link between asparagus consumption, urine odor, and health risk.
- Pregnancy: Asparagus is UNSAFE to use in medicinal amounts during pregnancy. Asparagus extracts have been used for birth control, so they might harm hormone balances during pregnancy.
- Allergies: Asparagus might cause an allergic reaction in people who are sensitive to other members of the Liliaceae family including onions, leeks, garlic, and chives and also patients with edema due to impaired kidney or heart function. Allergic reactions that have been documented include itchy conjunctivitis (inflammation of the eye), runny nose, worsening of asthma symptoms, tightness of the throat, coughing, acute urticaria (“hives”), and inflammation of the skin.
- Intestinal issues: Intestinal obstruction due to inhibition of bowel motility (ileus) of the small intestine has been caused by a high fiber diet, including canned asparagus.
- Drug and Herbal Interactions: Asparagus may have diuretic effects (increases urine flow), and may positively affect diuretic herbs and supplements, and drugs such as chlorothiazide (Diuril)
- Bloating: Asparagus contains a type of carbohydrate, raffinose that human intestinal enzymes fail to digest, leaving it to the bacteria in the gut to ferment. This fermentation results in the formation of gases the body must release through burping or flatulence. Eating asparagus daily causes excess gas that can be both uncomfortable and embarrassing.
