Asparagus contains Glutathione (GSH), the major endogenous antioxidant produced by the cells, participating directly in the neutralization of free radicals.
GSH is used in metabolic and biochemical reactions such as DNA synthesis and repair, protein synthesis, prostaglandin synthesis, amino acid transport, and enzyme activation. Every system in the body can be affected by GSH, especially the immune system, the nervous system, the gastrointestinal system and the lungs
Asparagus is one of the richest sources of Rutin, a nutrient that strengthens capillary walls.
It has the highest concentration of Asparagine, a non-essential amino acid. This is where asparagus gets its name. Asparagine is also responsible for the strong odor often produced in the urine after asparagus is eaten, which is a harmless and temporary effect.
Folate in Asparagus
Make asparagus a frequent addition to your meal especially if you are thinking about becoming pregnant. A cup of asparagus supplies enough folate, a B-vitamins essential for proper cellular division. Inadequate folate during pregnancy has been linked to several birth defects, including spina bifida.
Folate deficiency is the most common vitamin deficiency in the world. Its name comes from the Latin word folium, meaning “foliage” because it’s found in green leafy vegetables.
Healthy Heart
For a healthy cardiovascular system folate is essential. Folate, along with vitamins B6 and B12, is necessary for the conversion of homocysteine into cysteine. When folate levels are low, blood levels of homocysteine rise which is a situation that significantly increases the risk for heart disease.
Healthy Gut Flora
Asparagus contains a special kind of carbohydrate called inulin that we don’t digest, but the health-promoting friendly bacteria in our large intestine, such as Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli, do. When our diet contains good amounts of inulin, the growth and activity of these friendly bacteria increase.
Other Benefits
Asparagus also targets:
- Kidney Function
- Male Sexual Desire
- Increased Semen Volume
Asparagus is nutrient dense food containing:
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin K
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)
- Vitamin B1 (Thiamin)
- Vitamin B9 (Folic acid)
- Iron
- Calcium
- Selenium
- Iodine
- Inulin
- Copper
- Magnesium
- Rutin
- Potassium
- a great source of fiber