Content
- 1 What does asparagus taste like?
- 2 What is asparagus made of?
- 3 Why is asparagus useful for the human body?
- 4 FAQ
- 4.1 Is it possible to eat asparagus while losing weight
- 4.2 Is it possible for a nursing mother to eat asparagus
- 4.3 Is it possible for children to have asparagus
- 4.4 Is it possible for asparagus with gastritis
- 4.5 Is it possible to use asparagus for gout
- 4.6 Is it possible to use asparagus for type 2 diabetes
- 4.7 Can asparagus with pancreatitis
- 5 Asparagus in cooking
- 6 Asparagus treatment
- 7 The use of asparagus in cosmetology
- 8 Why is asparagus harmful?
- 9 Which asparagus is healthier
- 10 How to choose asparagus
- 11 How to store asparagus
- 12 Conclusion
The benefits and harms of asparagus is an interesting question for those who are trying to stick to a healthy diet. Asparagus, or asparagus, can in many cases improve your well-being and have a healing effect, but this requires understanding its properties.
What does asparagus taste like?
Lovers of an unusual product often compare the taste of asparagus with the taste of young cauliflower or broccoli. Others argue that the product looks more like a cabbage stalk with a slight tinge of green peas. But, one way or another, reviews about the taste of asparagus are mostly positive.
What is asparagus made of?
The value of asparagus is due not only to its pleasant taste, but also to the beneficial elements in the composition. The juicy stems of the product contain:
- potassium, phosphorus and calcium;
- iron and magnesium;
- sodium;
- sulfur;
- amino acids;
- antioxidant glutathione;
- saponins;
- the polysaccharide inulin;
- rutin and kaempferol;
- quercetin;
- cellulose.
The element silicon is very important in the composition of asparagus - from 100 g of the product, up to 3.5 daily norms of this substance can be obtained.
What vitamins are in asparagus
In addition to minerals, amino acids and other substances, asparagus contains many vitamins. Namely:
- vitamin C;
- vitamins B1 and B2;
- vitamins A and E.
There is in the composition of asparagus and niacin, or vitamin PP. The use of the product helps prevent the development of vitamin deficiency and increases the vigor and endurance of the body.
How many carbohydrates, proteins and fats are in asparagus
The nutritional value of asparagus is represented mainly by carbohydrates - these substances take up about 3.1 g of the total volume. The product also contains a little protein - about 1.9 g, and fats in the amount of 0.1 g.
How many calories are in asparagus
The calorie content of asparagus is extremely low. Fresh stalks of the vegetable plant contain about 22 kcal per 100 g, the product is ideal for the diet of people who are watching their shape.
Glycemic index of asparagus
Asparagus is safe for people with high sugar levels. Its glycemic index is only 15 units; when the product is consumed, there is no sharp increase in blood glucose.
Why is asparagus useful for the human body?
Asparagus in the diet has a very positive effect on health. If consumed regularly, this product:
- has a beneficial effect on vision and skin condition due to the high content of beta-carotene;
- will help eliminate the symptoms of vitamin deficiency;
- will lower blood pressure and strengthen the walls of blood vessels;
- protects the cardiovascular system from the development of atherosclerosis and dangerous heart ailments;
- improve the condition of joints and connective tissues;
- will have a beneficial effect on the composition of the blood;
- will have a calming effect on the nervous system and improve the quality of sleep;
- will serve as a good natural diuretic and will be beneficial for problems with the kidneys and urinary system;
- will improve digestive processes and help regulate the body's metabolism.
In addition, asparagus is used as a mucolytic for colds, it helps to remove phlegm. Antioxidants and vitamin C in the product strengthen the body's immune system and fight a variety of inflammatory processes. Asparagus for cancer is good as a prophylactic agent, it accelerates the processes of cell renewal and helps prevent the development of cancer.
Why is asparagus useful for a woman's body?
Since ancient times, asparagus has been especially appreciated for its beneficial properties for the female body. For medicinal purposes, the plant is actively used in Ayurveda and traditional medicine. Asparagus has a beneficial effect on a woman's reproductive system, increases the ability to conceive, evens out hormonal levels, has a calming and mild analgesic effect. It is useful to use the product both during menstruation and during menopause in old age.
Also, the benefits and harms of asparagus for a woman's health lie in the fact that the product helps women take care of their beauty. The vitamins and antioxidants in the plant help to rejuvenate and maintain the freshness and health of the skin. Asparagus helps maintain a healthy weight and prevents waste and toxins from accumulating in the body.
Why is asparagus useful for a man's body?
Asparagus also benefits the male body, first of all, the plant protects the genitourinary system from ailments. Asparagus has a beneficial effect in reducing libido and potency, in inflammatory processes and prostatitis.
In addition, the product is beneficial for severe hangovers. It is recommended to eat asparagus the next morning after heavy meals, the substances present in it will contribute to the rapid removal of toxic substances from the body. Asparagus will not only help relieve hangover syndrome, but also protect against liver cell destruction.
Benefits of asparagus during pregnancy
It is very beneficial to include asparagus in the diet for pregnant women while carrying a baby. First of all, asparagus is saturated with folic acid, which is necessary not only for the expectant mother, but also for the developing fetus.
In addition, the beneficial properties of asparagus help women fight swelling and relieve fatigue, soothe nerves and even out blood pressure. Expectant mothers often suffer from constipation in the later stages, but asparagus helps to regulate digestion and promotes the timely removal of toxins from the body.
FAQ
Asparagus does not belong to the category of gourmet and scarce foods. However, it is not found very often on an ordinary table, which raises important questions regarding its use.
Is it possible to eat asparagus while losing weight
Since the calorie content of asparagus is extremely low, it is often used in weight loss diets. The product promotes the removal of excess fluids, toxins and harmful substances for the body, in combination with a healthy diet, this allows you to get rid of about 2 kg per week.
Asparagus contains not only fiber, but also a large amount of vitamins and minerals. Therefore, the benefit of the product on the diet lies in the fact that asparagus prevents the occurrence of vitamin deficiency and anemia. You can consume the product in small amounts on a daily basis. It is only recommended to diversify the diet with other healthy foods and take breaks from using asparagus from time to time.
Is it possible for a nursing mother to eat asparagus
Despite the many beneficial properties of asparagus, it is better to skip it during breastfeeding. The fact is that the product often causes allergies in babies and, moreover, can lead to bloating, colic and flatulence.Large amounts of fiber in the composition of the product are not always well absorbed by the digestive system of infants, therefore it is better to postpone the return of asparagus to the diet until the end of breastfeeding.
Is it possible for children to have asparagus
Since asparagus, rich in dietary fiber, is poorly absorbed by the intestines of a small child, it is recommended to introduce the product into the children's diet only from 2 years old. In this case, the initial amount of the product should be minimal, and before offering asparagus to the child, it must be steamed or boiled. This will not make the product less useful, but its digestibility will noticeably improve, since the amount of fiber will decrease.
Is it possible for asparagus with gastritis
Coarse dietary fiber in the composition of asparagus in acute gastritis can harm the body, since fiber irritates the walls of the stomach. With an exacerbation of gastritis, especially if it is accompanied by high acidity, it is undesirable to use the product.
But in a state of remission, you can eat asparagus in small quantities, it will improve digestion. But at the same time, it is recommended to pre-boil the product and observe moderate dosages, using asparagus no more than twice a week.
Is it possible to use asparagus for gout
Gout is characterized by excessive accumulation of uric acid in the joints and is considered a fairly severe chronic condition. In the presence of this ailment, it is imperative to follow a strict diet, involving the rejection of a number of products.
With gout, asparagus is also banned. In order not to provoke another exacerbation of the disease, even during the period of remission from asparagus, it is better to refuse completely or use it in minimal quantities and after careful heat treatment.
Is it possible to use asparagus for type 2 diabetes
In the presence of diabetes mellitus, asparagus can be of great benefit. It has a low calorie content and a low glycemic index, which means that it does not lead to weight gain or glucose surges. Asparagus saturates well, helps to remove toxins from the body and relieves edema, protects the liver, blood vessels and heart from the development of ailments.
Regular use of the product for diabetes allows you to maintain a stable sugar level. In addition, asparagus prevents the development of dangerous complications and generally strengthens the body.
Can asparagus with pancreatitis
In acute inflammation of the pancreas, asparagus is strictly prohibited. First of all, it irritates the digestive organs and leads to a deterioration in well-being. The increased content of saponins and fiber in the product can cause flatulence, nausea, and increased pain.
In the calm phase of the disease, in the absence of pain, asparagus can be included in the diet from time to time. But the boiled product will bring the greatest benefit - there are many vitamins in it, and it is digested faster and easier. The product should not be abused - asparagus should be introduced into the diet 1-2 times a week.
Asparagus in cooking
Juicy and tasty asparagus is widely used in cooking. First of all, it is used as an independent snack and as part of salads - you can eat asparagus raw, just wash the product properly.
The beneficial properties of asparagus in nutrition are preserved even after heat treatment, so it is boiled and baked in the oven, fried and stewed. Cooking has a positive effect on the taste of the product - asparagus retains its pleasant flavor notes, but at the same time it becomes softer and more aromatic.
Asparagus goes well with most foods. It gives an unusual, but interesting taste to vegetable salads, serves as a good addition to meat and fish dishes, seafood and flour products.
Asparagus treatment
Traditional medicine often uses medicinal asparagus - an edible plant that helps to get rid of a number of diseases or at least alleviate symptoms.
- With edema... To prepare a useful diuretic, you need to grind a small asparagus root in the amount of 1 large spoon, then pour 200 ml of water into the raw material and boil under a lid for about 10 minutes. After the product has cooled down and infused a little, it can be drunk four times a day on an empty stomach, only 50 ml. Homemade medicine will help remove accumulated fluid from tissues and improve kidney and heart function.
- With cholecystitis... Another recipe suggests using asparagus to relieve inflammation in the gallbladder and ducts. Asparagus must be chopped in a volume of 1 small spoon, pour a glass of boiling water and insist for 2 hours under a lid. After that, you need to strain the useful infusion and drink 2 large spoons of it every couple of hours throughout the day. Such a remedy will help relieve pain, and also relieve signs of inflammation.
- With a weakening of potency... For men, the following recipe will be useful - 5 asparagus berries need to be poured with a glass of boiling water and insisted under a lid for 8-10 hours. The infusion is taken in 2 large spoons every 4 hours, the entire treatment should be continued for 2-3 weeks, then asparagus will help restore libido.
- Asparagus has a beneficial effect on tachycardia and other heart rhythm disorders. Fresh or dried stems need to be crushed, brewed in hot water, like tea, and drunk throughout the day, 100 ml at a time. In total, you need to take the remedy for 10 days, after which they take a break for a couple of weeks.
Asparagus is a good remedy for insomnia and anxiety disorders. About 100 g of the fruit of the plant should be poured with a liter of water and boiled over low heat for a quarter of an hour. If you take a few sips of this remedy shortly before bedtime, asparagus normalizes sleep and strengthens the nervous system.
The use of asparagus in cosmetology
The benefits of asparagus for the body lie not only in the culinary and medicinal properties of the product. Asparagus has a powerful cosmetic effect, due to its high content of vitamins and antioxidants, it is used for beauty care.
- Rejuvenating face mask... To eliminate the first wrinkles and make the skin more elastic, you need to grind the fresh stalk of asparagus to the state of gruel, and then combine 2 large tablespoons of raw materials with the same amount of cottage cheese and cream. The product is thoroughly mixed, distributed over the skin and kept for 15 minutes. If you carry out the procedure at least twice a week, the face will quickly rejuvenate, and the skin will become noticeably fresher.
- Whitening face mask... Another mask helps to even out the tone of the epidermis and eliminate age spots and freckles. Mix 1 large spoonful of chopped asparagus with 1 small spoonful of fresh carrot juice, then add 1 small spoonful of sour cream. The mask is distributed over the face, held for 20 minutes, and then washed off, and it will be useful to wipe clean skin with an ice cube.
The beneficial properties of asparagus help to get rid of cellulite deposits on the sides, thighs and buttocks. It is necessary to prepare a decoction - pour 2 small tablespoons of chopped asparagus with a glass of hot water and boil for only 5 minutes over low heat.
Then the remedy is insisted for about half an hour, and then taken orally 4 times a day for half a glass. You can also wipe problem areas of the body with a useful broth every day. Asparagus helps to improve fat metabolism, so the thighs, buttocks and abdomen quickly become more elastic and toned, and ugly deposits go away.
Why is asparagus harmful?
The beneficial properties and contraindications of asparagus are ambiguous; it can harm the body in certain diseases and conditions. Contraindications for the product are:
- individual allergy to asparagus;
- acute pancreatitis or gastritis;
- a stomach ulcer in a state of exacerbation and severe intestinal diseases;
- cystitis;
- lactation period;
- severe gout.
The product contains quite a lot of sulfur. With frequent use of asparagus, this feature can have an original side effect - a pronounced unpleasant sulfur smell emanating from the skin. It is better to use the product in small quantities and only up to 3 times a week, then its properties will bring maximum benefit.
Which asparagus is healthier
In stores you can see not only green, but also white asparagus. In fact, we are talking about the same plant, the main difference between the asparagus species is the way they are grown. Green asparagus is grown in the usual way, allowing it to receive enough sunlight for photosynthesis. As for the white stems, they are completely covered with earth during cultivation, so the shoots grow almost in the dark, without seeing the sun, and retain their white color.
In terms of taste, white asparagus is much softer and more tender than green asparagus. In addition, it contains more sugar, which makes it a higher calorie food. Green asparagus is slightly tougher, but its nutritional value is lower, and it also contains more vitamin B, ascorbic acid and folate.
Thus, white asparagus tastes much nicer. But the beneficial properties of green asparagus are still higher, it can offer the maximum amount of substances valuable for health.
How to choose asparagus
In order for a product to please with a pleasant taste and useful properties, it must be chosen correctly when purchasing.
- The stems of good quality asparagus should be firm, firm and closed, without seedlings.
- The stems should be free of dark areas, blackheads and any damage.
- Fresh asparagus looks juicy and the stem of the plant is rounded.
- Good asparagus does not emit any strong odor.
- You should not buy asparagus if the tips of the stems are already slightly open - this indicates that the asparagus is overripe.
- In addition, it is better to refuse to purchase asparagus with seed arrows, stems that are too thin or flattened, dried stem tips.
- The fact that the product is spoiled is evidenced by the presence of black spots on the surface of the stems and the smell emanating from them.
Asparagus is often vacuum packed in stores. If condensation is noticeable on the inner surface of the film, and the vegetable stems themselves are wet, then you should not buy such asparagus - it is already starting to deteriorate, and its benefits are much lower than that of a fresh product.
How to store asparagus
Green or white asparagus is a product with a very short shelf life. You need to keep asparagus in the refrigerator on the bottom shelf, but even so, the stems will be able to maintain their freshness for no longer than 2 days. It is best to cook asparagus immediately after purchase.
Conclusion
The benefits and harms of asparagus depend on how competently you use it. When used in moderation, the unusual vegetable has a beneficial effect on the body and helps to strengthen strength and improve well-being. But at the same time, it is necessary to remember about the contraindications of asparagus and adhere to small amounts of use.