What is useful asparagus for men, women, pregnant women

The benefits and harms of asparagus is an interesting question for those who are trying to stick to a healthy diet. Asparagus, or asparagus, in many cases can improve well-being and have a healing effect, but for this you need to understand its properties.

What does asparagus taste like?

Fans of an unusual product most often compare the taste of asparagus with the taste of young cauliflower or broccoli. Others claim that the product is more like a cabbage stalk with a slight green pea flavor. 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 useful 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;
• polysaccharide inulin;
• rutin and kaempferol;
• quercetin;
• cellulose.

The silicon element is very important in the composition of asparagus – up to 100 daily norms of this substance can be obtained from 3,5 g of the product.

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.

Asparagus also contains nicotinic acid, or vitamin PP. The use of the product helps prevent the development of beriberi and increases the vigor and endurance of the body.

How many carbohydrates, proteins and fats in asparagus

The nutritional value of asparagus is represented mainly by carbohydrates – these substances occupy about 3,1 g of the total volume. The product also contains some proteins – about 1,9 g, and fats in the amount of 0,1 g.

How many calories in asparagus

Asparagus is extremely low in calories. Fresh stems of a vegetable plant contain about 22 kcal per 100 g, the product is ideal for the diet of people who follow their figure.

Glycemic index of asparagus

Asparagus is a product that is safe for people with high sugar levels. Its glycemic index is only 15 units; when using the product, there is no sharp increase in blood glucose.

What is useful asparagus for the human body

Asparagus in the diet has a very positive effect on health. If you eat asparagus regularly, this product:

• will have a beneficial effect on vision and skin condition due to the high content of beta-carotene;
• help eliminate the symptoms of beriberi;
• lower blood pressure and strengthen the walls of blood vessels;
• protect the cardiovascular system from the development of atherosclerosis and dangerous heart diseases;
• improve the condition of joints and connective tissues;
• 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 benefit from problems with the kidneys and urinary system;
• will improve digestive processes and help regulate the metabolism in the body.

In addition, asparagus is used as a mucolytic for colds, it helps to remove phlegm. Antioxidants and vitamin C in the composition of the product strengthen the body’s immune system and fight against a variety of inflammatory processes. Asparagus for cancer is good as a prophylactic, it accelerates the processes of cell renewal and helps prevent the development of cancer.

What is useful asparagus for a woman’s body

Since ancient times, asparagus has been especially valued 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, balances hormonal levels, and 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 women’s health are that the product helps women take care of beauty. Vitamins and antioxidants in the composition of the plant help to rejuvenate and maintain the freshness and health of the skin. Asparagus helps maintain a healthy weight and prevents the accumulation of waste and toxins in the body.

What is useful asparagus for the body of a man

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 consume asparagus the next morning after heavy feasts, the substances present in it will contribute to the rapid removal of toxic substances from the body. Asparagus will not only help relieve hangover, but also protect against destruction of liver cells.

Benefits of asparagus during pregnancy

While carrying a child, it is very useful to include asparagus in the diet for pregnant women. 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 contributes to the timely removal of toxins from the body.

FAQ

Asparagus does not belong to the category of delicacy and scarce products. However, on a regular table, it is not so common, 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 helps to remove 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 a diet is that asparagus prevents the occurrence of beriberi and anemia. You can use the product in small quantities on a daily basis. It is only recommended to diversify the diet with other useful products and from time to time take breaks in the use of asparagus.

Is it possible to eat asparagus for a nursing mother

Despite the many beneficial properties of asparagus, it is better to refuse it during breastfeeding. The fact is that the product often causes allergies in babies and can also 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, so it is better to postpone the return of asparagus to the diet until the end of breastfeeding.

Can children 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 the age of 2. At the same time, the initial amount of the product should be minimal, and before offering asparagus to a 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 to asparagus with gastritis

Coarse dietary fiber in the composition of asparagus in acute gastritis can harm the body, since fiber has an irritating effect on the walls of the stomach. With 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, consuming asparagus no more than twice a week.

Is it possible to asparagus with gout

Gout is characterized by excessive accumulation of uric acid in the joints and is considered a rather severe chronic disease. In the presence of this disease, it is imperative to follow a strict diet, which involves 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, it is better to refuse asparagus altogether or use it in minimal quantities and after careful heat treatment.

Is it possible to have asparagus with type 2 diabetes

In the presence of diabetes, asparagus can be of great benefit. It has a low calorie content and a low glycemic index, which means it does not lead to weight gain or glucose spikes. 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 in diabetes allows you to maintain a stable level of sugar. In addition, asparagus prevents the development of dangerous complications and generally strengthens the body.

Is it possible to asparagus with pancreatitis

In acute inflammation of the pancreas, asparagus is strictly prohibited for use. First of all, it has an irritating effect on 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 a lot of vitamins in it, and it is digested faster and easier. The product should not be abused – it is enough to introduce asparagus 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 – asparagus can be eaten raw, it is enough to wash the product properly.

Useful 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 pleasant flavors, but at the same time 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 helps to get rid of a number of diseases or at least alleviate symptoms.

• Swelling. To prepare a useful diuretic, you need to grind a small asparagus root in the amount of 1 large spoon, then pour the raw material with 200 ml of water and boil under the lid for about 10 minutes. After the remedy has cooled down and infused a little, it can be drunk four times a day on an empty stomach, only 50 ml each. Homemade medicine will help remove accumulated fluid from the tissues and improve the functioning of the kidneys and heart.
• With cholecystitis. Another recipe suggests using asparagus to relieve inflammation in the gallbladder and ducts. Asparagus must be crushed in the amount of 1 small spoon, pour a glass of boiling water and insist for 2 hours under the lid. After that, you need to strain the useful infusion and drink it 2 large spoons every couple of hours throughout the day. Such a tool will help relieve pain, and also relieves signs of inflammation.
• When the potency is weakened. For men, the following recipe will be useful – 5 asparagus berries should be poured with a glass of boiling water and insisted under the lid for 8-10 hours. The infusion is taken 2 large spoons every 4 hours, the treatment should be continued for 2-3 weeks, then the asparagus will help restore libido.
• Asparagus has a beneficial effect in tachycardia and other heart rhythm disorders. Fresh or dried stems should 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 fruits 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 such a remedy a few sips shortly before bedtime, asparagus normalizes sleep and strengthens the nervous system.

The use of asparagus in cosmetology

The benefits of asparagus for the body are not only in the culinary and medicinal properties of the product. Asparagus has a powerful cosmetic effect, due to the 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 a fresh asparagus stalk to a pulp, and then combine 2 large spoons 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 look younger, 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. It is necessary to mix 1 large spoonful of chopped asparagus with 1 small spoonful of fresh carrot juice, and then add 1 small spoonful of sour cream. The mask is distributed over the face, kept 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 spoons 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. Also, with a useful decoction, you can wipe problem areas of the body daily. Asparagus helps to establish fat metabolism, so the hips, buttocks and stomach quickly become more elastic and toned, and ugly deposits disappear.

What is harmful asparagus

Useful 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;
• gastric 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 give an original side effect – a pronounced unpleasant smell of sulfur 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 asparagus species lies in the methods of cultivation. Green asparagus is grown in the usual way, allowing it to receive enough sunlight for photosynthesis. As for the white stems, they are completely spudded with earth when grown, 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 product. Green asparagus is a little tougher, but its nutritional value is lower, and besides, it contains more vitamin B, ascorbic acid and folic acid.

Thus, the taste of white asparagus seems much more pleasant. 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 the product to please with a pleasant taste and useful properties, it must be chosen correctly when buying.

• Stems of quality asparagus should be dense, firm and closed, without shoots with seeds.
• The stems should be free of dark areas, black dots and any damage.
• Fresh asparagus looks juicy, and the stem of the plant has a rounded shape.
• Good asparagus does not emit any strong odor.
• You should not buy asparagus if the tips of the stems are already ajar – this indicates that the asparagus is overripe.
• In addition, it is better to refuse to purchase asparagus with seed arrows, too thin or flattened stems, dried stem tips.
• The fact that the product is spoiled is indicated by the presence of black spots on the surface of the stems and the smell emanating from them.

In stores, asparagus is often sold in vacuum packages. 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 those 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 can keep 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 it is used. With moderate use, an 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 the contraindications of asparagus and adhere to small amounts of consumption.