Risks and Health Benefits of Asparagus

The ancient Greeks and Romans believed asparagus possessed medicinal properties, from alleviating toothaches to preventing bee stings. Such things are mythical, but asparagus does contain a good supply of vitamins and minerals. Asparagus can be found in green and white varieties. Green asparagus is the most common in the U.S., while the white is more popular in Europe. Asparagus is low in calories— six spears have just 20 calories. It also contains vitamins C and K and folate.

Health Benefits.

Slows aging.
The antioxidants in asparagus may help put a brake on the aging process.

Fights cognitive decline.
The folate in asparagus works with vitamin B12 to help prevent cognitive impairment.

Reduces edema (swelling).
Asparagus contains the natural diuretic asparagine, which helps your body get rid of excess fluid and salt. This is especially helpful for people with edema caused by high blood pressure or other heart-related diseases.

Relieves stress.
Asparagus is high in folate—this B vitamin helps combat stress.

Health Risk

Gout.
Asparagus contains purines, substances that promote the overproduction of uric acid that precipitates painful attacks of gout. If you have gout, keep your asparagus consumption to a minimum.

Eating Tips
• Dress steamed asparagus with a blend of olive oil and orange juice.
• Refrigerate cooked, cooled asparagus pieces for snacks or salad add-ins.
• Wrap slices of smoked turkey around steamed spears for a fast appetizer. Buying Tips
• Choose firm, yet tender, stalks.
• For the green variety, choose stalks with deep green or purplish tips that are closed and compact.
• Avoid excessively sandy spears.
• Stalks with a narrow diameter are more tender than thick ones.

Storing Tips
• Store stalks, with bottoms wrapped in a damp paper towel, in the crisper section of the refrigerator. If you don’t have a crisper, put them in plastic bags and place them in the coldest part of the refrigerator.
• Eat asparagus with a day or two, because the flavor lessens with each passing day.

50% of people will have smelly urine after eating asparagus.