Nutritional Facts and Health Benefits of Asparagus

When spring begins, you'll find the produce section with ample inventory of delectable stalks of asparagus. These highly prized vegetables are members of the lily family and popular for centuries. However, asparagus are more than attractive and good tasting; they are also good for you. The health benefits of asparagus make them a good buy even in your areas off-season.

Asparagus is rich in anti-inflammatory nutrients. Inflammation is a natural occurrence in the body and part of the process of healing. However, too much inflammation may lead to diseases such as coronary disease, diabetes and even neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS, "Lou Gehrig's Disease." Some studies show that inflammation can create a role in the death of specific nerve cells and while scientists don't know if inflammation is the cause, it may contribute to the problem.

Enjoy Health Benefits from Antioxidants in Asparagus

Asparagus also contains antioxidants such as beta-carotene and vitamin C, in addition to glutathione, both a combination of three amino acids and a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight free radicals that steal electrons from the body's cells. This causes cellular changes and cell death that lead to aging and disease.

Asparagus Helps Prevent Cancer and Birth Defects

Since it's high in anti-inflammatory nutrients and antioxidants, asparagus are also cancer fighters. Consuming asparagus can help prevent certain types of cancer but also help fight it too. Cancer of the breast, bladder, colon, lung, ovaries and prostate succumb to the nutrients from asparagus, but it also is helpful in other types too.

Asparagus helps to prevent birth defects too. The folate in asparagus is the reason. One cup contains almost 66 percent of your required daily amount. If you eat a diet high in folate before you get pregnant and during early pregnancy, you can stave off certain birth defects such as spinal bifida. Folate is also important in heart health too. It regulates the homocysteine, an amino acid, in the body and prevents the levels from becoming too high. A high amount of this amino acid can increase your risk of heart disease. It also plays a role in various biochemical events that affects your heart health.

Improve Digestive Health from the Prebiotic Health Benefits of Asparagus

If you find you're bloated before your period, eat a few servings of asparagus. Asparagus is a diuretic that not only treats bloating from PMS but also can reduce swelling and the pain caused from arthritis and rheumatism. You'll know its working because it gives your urine a unique green color and distinctive smell.

Asparagus is also a prebiotic. A prebiotic provides food for the bacteria that live in your intestines, probiotics. These beneficial bacteria fight off harmful bacteria and aid the digestive process at the same time.

Vitamins and Nutritional Facts of Asparagus

Asparagus supplies your body with massive amounts of vitamins and minerals. It contains 115 percent of the daily-required amount of vitamin K, 56 percent of RMD for folate, 32 percent for vitamin C and 20 percent for vitamin A. It contains significant amounts of vitamin B1, B2 B3 and B6 in addition to folate, all of which help regulate blood sugar levels. It is a good source of minerals such as manganese, copper, phosphorus, potassium, iron, zinc, magnesium, selenium and calcium too. Asparagus also contains plant protein, fiber and tryptophan. In addition to all the health benefits and nutritional value of asparagus, it is a tasty addition to any meal.