Asparagus is low in calories, contains a lot of fiber and is rich in vitamins and minerals. This makes it a healthy super vegetable that we eat in spring different dishes love. We reveal what other benefits asparagus has.
How healthy is asparagus?
We all love asparagus and could eat the delicious vegetable all the time during asparagus season. No wonder, because not only the taste and the delicious recipes convince us: The ever-popular asparagus is also healthy and low in calories. The white sticks consist of 90 percent water and contain many valuable ingredients that are good for our body and mind.
#1 A vegetable full of nutrients
Asparagus is a low-calorie vegetable that is rich in fiber and contains many important vitamins and minerals. A serving of asparagus only contains about 20 calories while providing about 2 grams of fiber. In addition, asparagus is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, folic acid, potassium and iron. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that boosts the immune system and can reduce inflammation in the body. Vitamin K plays an important role in blood clotting and bone health. Folic acid is especially important for pregnant women because it contributes to the development of the fetal nervous system.
#2 The all-rounder is full of fiber
The delicious stalk vegetables provide fiber, vitamins important for the body and nervous system and an extensive range of bioactive plant substances. The extremely high potassium content and the comparatively low sodium content make asparagus a cleansing and diuretic food that prevents and can even dissolve kidney stones. In addition, spring vegetables have little effect on blood sugar levels due to their low glycemic index.
#3 Asparagus has a detoxifying effect
Asparagus leads to an increase in the body’s glutathione levels. Glutathione strengthens the immune system, protects the body from pathogens and, as an antioxidant, renders cell toxins and carcinogenic substances harmless. Glutathione also supports the liver in all detoxification activities: healing processes occur more quickly and the Hangover symptoms after a night of drinking can be alleviated.
#4 Ideal for pregnant and breastfeeding women
Pregnant women also benefit from asparagus due to its high folate content. Balanced folate levels reduce the risk of certain birth defects and stimulate milk production in nursing mothers.
#5 Healthy thanks to bioactive plant substances
The plant substances contained in asparagus actively promote our health. For example, they support our digestive system, ensure healthy intestinal flora and can protect us from health problems such as heart disease or cancer. The flavonoids rutin and quercetin contained in asparagus in particular protect the blood vessels and are therefore used as a preventive measure against varicose veins.
When shouldn’t you eat asparagus?
The amount of purines contained in asparagus is converted in the body to uric acid, which is normally excreted via the kidneys in the urine. However, if you suffer from kidney problems or have too much purine in your body due to increased consumption of asparagus, your uric acid level increases. The substance precipitates in the body and becomes uric acid crystals, which are deposited in the finder and toe joints and cause pain: gout. To prevent a gout attack, it is very important that the purine portion of the daily diet does not exceed a dosage of 500 milligrams. Accordingly, asparagus consumption should be kept within limits. Although asparagus does not contain nearly as many purines as meat, cheese or wine, asparagus is often eaten in large quantities during the season. If you have kidney stones or damaged kidneys, you should also avoid the light bars.
What is the difference between white and green asparagus?
The Key Difference Between White and Green Asparagus lies in the way they are grown and harvested. White asparagus is grown underground and not exposed to sunlight. The asparagus plants are covered with soil or sand to prevent the growth of chlorophyll, resulting in its characteristic white color. This means that white asparagus retains its delicate and mild taste. Because it is exposed to less sunlight, white asparagus also contains less vitamin C than green asparagus.
Green asparagus, on the other hand, grows above ground and is exposed to sunlight. This causes it to produce chlorophyll, which gives it its green color. Green asparagus has a more intense flavor and slightly more fibrous texture compared to white asparagus. It also contains more vitamin C and other nutrients due to longer exposure to sunlight.
