Asparagus
August 12, 2008
Asparagus is a green vegetable that is quite similar to a spear having budding head. Growing mainly in the Mediterranean region, this entire spear is victual. There are many references that give excellent growing information for asparagus as early as 200 BC. White asparagus origins from the action of etiolation that is the deprivation of light. Consuming asparagus is associated with its thickness! Thickness is all about debate since it seems to be a personal choice. Some people even prefer to peel the thicker stem usually it looks like a younger plant produces thicker stems, but the same plant can produce stems of varying thicknesses. Amazingly, once this herb/plant starts producing asparagus it continues to do so for more than 15 years!
The asparagus is a rich source of folic acid (vitamin B9). The plant is also rich in K (potassium), Cu (copper), Fe (iron) and (F) phosphorus. It also contains good amounts of insoluble dietary fibers and vitamins such as Vitamin A, B1, B2, B6 and C. The asparagus also has sour taste that perceptibly renders its acidic properties. The asparagus also has asparagines which is an acid that is responsible for its peculiar taste and natural diuretic property. It is therefore advisable to avoid eating asparagus if anyone suffers from any sort of renal disorders such as kidney inflammation.
Asparagus has lower calories and carbohydrates, and unlike other vegetables, asparagus is relatively rich in proteins. One cup of asparagus will supply only 24 calories, almost 50 per cent of which are derived from proteins. Asparagus is a great source of vitamin K and folic acid (263 microgram per cup). It has very proportionate ratio of K (potassium; 288 mg per cup) to Na (sodium; 19.8 mg per up).
Asparagus is found to be great source of dietary fibers, niacin, proteins and other nutrients. Historically, asparagus has been used as diuretic agent and also in the remedy for various musculo-skeletal disorders such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The amino acid asparagine might be responsible for its diuretic properties. When this amino acid is excreted through the urine, it will give typical strong odor.
Asparagus is a very effective detoxifier as it is having rich contents of Gluthathione, the amino acids like cysteine, glutamic acid. Glycine is a protein considered to be regenerating immune cells and therefore possesses anti-viral, anti-cancer action. It is also a powerful detoxifier. Asparagus also has good amounts of Rutin, a Bioflavinoid that has been considered to be the agent increasing the strength of capillaries and regulating their permeability. It also increases the oxygen carrying capacity within the blood that ultimately results in increased circulation within the lower extremities.
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