Many people only know asparagus (shatavari, Asparagus officinalis) as those funny little vegetable spears that accompany eggs benedict and some salmon dishes. But none knows and understand health benefits of asparagus.

It’s a delicious food, no doubt, for those of us who like earthy flavors and are in love with things such green beans and olives. The taste of asparagus is delicious with health benefits of asparagus.

Indeed, asparagus is a wonderful little side dish or even main dish, thanks not only to its strong flavor and ability to absorb and even enhance other flavors, but did you know that there are number of surprising health benefits of asparagus?

 

That’s right! Asparagus isn’t only delicious, but it’s also healthy!

As if we needed another reason to eat this vegetable.

If you’re curious about what eating asparagus regularly can do for you, keep reading because we’re about to cover the benefits of asparagus.

5 powerful health benefits of asparagus you’ve probably never heard of before

 

1.- Asparagus Can Help You Combat Cancer

Asparagus, along with other vegetables such as Brussel sprouts and kale, are packed with glutathione, a powerful substance that helps combat free radicals and carcinogens.

Not only that, but asparagus are also rich in various antioxidants which can also help prevent the formation of free radicals.

While not powerful enough to combat cancer all on its own, adding it to your diet does help minimize the risk of various types of cancer, particularly those that happen without external stimuli.

2.- Asparagus Can Help You Lose Weight

There’s no denying that a healthy diet with properly sized portions is the key to weight loss; however, eating certain foods do make things easier and asparagus is one of those little “magic” foods that will help you keep your weight in check.

Here’s why:

• Asparagus is low in calories, with a cup of raw asparagus having around 30 calories total.
• Asparagus is full of fiber, which can keep you feeling full for longer, meaning you won’t feel the need to snack as often. This can result in weight loss, as you’ll find it easier to eat less than usual.
• The fiber in asparagus also helps with digestion and works as a natural diuretic, health benefits of asparagus to prevent constipation and accumulation of fluids. That said, the weight you’ll lose thanks to this is mostly water weight.
• It goes great with protein rich foods, which means you can cook a delicious and nutritious meal that will help you meet your nutrient needs while still keeping calories in check.

 

3.- Asparagus is Packed with Nutrients

You’ve probably guessed this already but there’s much more than just antioxidants in Asparagus.

This vegetable is absolutely full of vitamins K, A, E, C, fiber, folic acid, and more, making it a fantastic way to supplement our dietary needs.

Vitamin C, as you well know, can help you combat or even keep away colds. Making you less likely to get them and more likely to get rid of them faster than ever.

Vitamin K, is crucial for proper blood coagulation and calcium absortion, which in turn can help you improve your bone health.

Vitamin E, also strengthens your immune system but with the added benefits of asparagus of protecting your cells from free radicals, which can help against cell degeneration.

Folic acid can help women during pregnancy by reducing the risk of premature births and miscarriages.

 

4.- It Can Help Prevent Urinary Tract Infections

We mentioned before that asparagus is a natural diuretic, which can help with water retention.

However, these properties can also help you ward off UTIs by flushing excess salts out of your body.

A more frequent urination can also keep bacteria in check, minimizing your risk of UTIs and even kidney stones.

That said, whenever you’re eating asparagus you need to make sure you’re meeting your water needs, as drinking enough water can also help you achieve these benefits.

 

5.- It Can Help You Get Rid of Hangovers

Okay, so maybe this isn’t a health benefit but it’s definitely a benefit of some kind

Recent studies suggest that the minerals and amino acids found in asparagus, as well as its uncanny ability to absorb, can make hangovers shorter and more tolerable, with the added benefit of protecting your liver cells.

…or is it the other way around?

Truth to be told, there are more health benefits one can get from asparagus but we don’t want to bore you with an even longer list.

Suffice it to say, adding asparagus to your diet is a wonderful way of getting extra vitamins and nutrients, all while enjoying a delicious and versatile food that can find a place in your breakfast, lunch and dinner.

So, health benefits AND amazing flavor?

That’s a win win situation no matter how you see it.

 

Thank you very much for reading!

Don’t forget to leave a comment.

 

Author Bio

Emma Claire ( cooknovel )

I’m Emma, and I’m absolutely in love with food blogs. I’d like to share the interesting recipes, food tips and top lists of kitchen gadgets. I’m a foodie at heart but being the mother of 3 kids, it’s not always easy to keep up with fancy dinners… so I rely on the support of other blogging moms like me to help along the way.