Asparagus, or garden asparagus, folk name sparrow grass, scientific name Asparagus officinalis, is a perennial flowering plant species in the genus Asparagus. Its young shoots are used as a spring vegetable. It was once classified in the lily family, like the related Allium species, onions, and garlic. However, genetic research places lilies, Allium, and asparagus in three separate families—the Liliaceae, Amaryllidaceae, and Asparagaceae, respectively— the Amaryllidaceae and Asparagaceae are grouped together in the order Asparagales. Sources differ as to the native range of Asparagus officinalis, but generally include most of Europe and western temperate Asia.[rx][rx][rx][rx] It is widely cultivated as a vegetable crop.
| Asparagus Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Name: | Asparagus |
| Scientific Name: | Asparagus officinalis |
| Origin | Europe, Northern Africa and Western Asia, and are widely cultivated in South and North America, Europe, and China. |
| Colors | Green- yellowish green, red |
| Shapes | Globoid, glabrous, small, Diameter: 6–10 mm, Length: 6–10 mm |
| Flesh colors | White |
| Taste | Succulent |
| Calories | 20 Kcal./cup |
| Major nutrients | Vitamin K (37.92%) Vitamin B9 (33.50%) Copper(16.56%) Vitamin B1 (12.17%) Iron (10.25%) |
| Health benefits | Assist digestion, Reduce diabetes, Cures hangovers, Vision health, Reduce arthritis |
Asparagus (Asparagus Officinalis) also known as Asparagus root, Wild asparagus, Asperger, and Shatavari is a vegetable and most widely cultivated species of the genus Asparagus L. This plant is native to Europe, Northern Africa, and Western Asia and is widely cultivated in South and North America, Europe, and China. The vernacular names for Asparagus are:- French: Asperge, Asperge officinale; Hindi: Shatwaar; Spanish: Brote de espárrago, Esparrago; Spanish: Brote de espárrago, Esparrago etc. Three varieties of Asparagus are Green Asparagus, White Asparagus, and Purple Asparagus.
Plant
Asparagus is an herbaceous and perennial plant. Asparagus does best in areas with dry climates. It thrives in well-drained soil. Depending upon the species plants can be between 100 cm (39 inches) to 150 cm (59 inches) high. It produces green, white to yellow flowers in bell-shaped with length: 4.5–6.5 mm (0.18–0.26 inches). The plant yields flowers during early to mid-summer (August). The Asparagus stems are grayish-green, glabrous, and glaucous. The needle-like leaves are lanceolate, alternately arranged often light yellow – purple in color. The branchlets are slender terete, fascicled with a length of 0.5-1.5 cm. The plant lives for about 20 years.
Fruit
The fruit is small in globoid shape having a length of 6-10 mm and a diameter of 6-10 mm. The fruit can range in color from green to yellowish-green or red. It possesses white flesh with a succulent taste. Each Asparagus contains 2-4 black seeds with brittle seed coats. The fruit is found from May to July.
Nutritional value of Asparagus
Calories 20 Kcal.Calories from Fat 1.8 Kcal.
| Proximity | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Water | 83.37 g | N/D |
| Energy | 20 Kcal | N/D |
| Energy | 85 kJ | N/D |
| Protein | 2.16 g | 4.32% |
| Total Fat (lipid) | 0.2 g | 0.57% |
| Ash | 0.57 g | N/D |
| Carbohydrate | 3.7 g | 2.85% |
| Total dietary Fiber | 1.8 g | 4.74% |
| Total Sugars | 1.17 g | N/D |
| Sucrose | 0.07 g | N/D |
| Glucose (dextrose) | 0.38 g | N/D |
| Fructose | 0.71 g | N/D |
| Minerals | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Copper, Cu | 0.149 mg | 16.56% |
| Iron, Fe | 0.82 mg | 10.25% |
| Selenium, Se | 5.5 µg | 10.00% |
| Phosphorus, P | 49 mg | 7.00% |
| Manganese, Mn | 0.139 mg | 6.04% |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.54 mg | 4.91% |
| Potassium, K | 202 mg | 4.30% |
| Magnesium, Mg | 13 mg | 3.10% |
| Calcium, Ca | 21 mg | 2.10% |
| Sodium, Na | 13 mg | 0.87% |
| Fluoride | 19.7 µg | 0.49% |
| Vitamins | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 45.5 µg | 37.92% |
| Vitamin B9 (Folate, Folic acid) | 134 µg | 33.50% |
| Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) | 0.146 mg | 12.17% |
| Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) | 0.125 mg | 9.62% |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 1.35 mg | 9.00% |
| Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) | 6.9 mg | 7.67% |
| Vitamin A | 45 µg | 6.43% |
| Vitamin B3 (Niacin) | 0.976 mg | 6.10% |
| Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) | 0.071 mg | 5.46% |
| Choline | 23.5 mg | 4.27% |
| Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid) | 0.202 mg | 4.04% |
| Lycopene | 27 µg | 0.54% |
| Beta Carotene | 544 µg | N/D |
| Betaine | 0.8 mg | N/D |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 694 µg | N/D |
| Tocopherol, beta | 0.02 mg | N/D |
| Tocopherol, gamma | 0.19 mg | N/D |
| Lipids | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 0.043 g | 0.07% |
| Palmitic acid 16:00 (Hexadecanoic acid) | 0.043 g | N/D |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 0.094 g | 0.55% |
| Linoleic acid 18:2 (octadecadienoic acid) | 0.068 g | N/D |
| Linolenic acid 18:3 (Octadecatrienoic acid) | 0.026 g | N/D |
| Amino Acids | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Tryptophan | 0.026 g | 5.91% |
| Threonine | 0.083 g | 4.72% |
| Isoleucine | 0.074 g | 4.43% |
| Histidine | 0.048 g | 3.90% |
| Leucine | 0.126 g | 3.41% |
| Lysine | 0.102 g | 3.05% |
| Methionine | 0.031 g | 1.85% |
| Cystine | 0.031 g | N/D |
| Phenylalanine | 0.074 g | N/D |
| Tyrosine | 0.051 g | N/D |
| Valine | 0.112 g | N/D |
| Arginine | 0.089 g | N/D |
| Alanine | 0.112 g | N/D |
| Aspartic acid | 0.5 g | N/D |
| Glutamic acid | 0.229 g | N/D |
| Glycine | 0.091 g | N/D |
| Proline | 0.069 g | N/D |
| Serine | 0.104 g | N/D |
| Flavonols | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Quercetin | 13.6 mg | N/D |
Health Benefits of Asparagus
Asparagus provides relief from premenstrual syndrome, diabetes, cancer, cataract, hangover, rheumatism, depression, tuberculosis, convulsions, neurodegenerative diseases, and fertility. It lowers blood cholesterol and urinary tract infections. It enhances digestive health, reduces homocysteine levels, and maintains a healthy heart.
- Assist digestion
Asparagus possess inulin which is also called prebiotic. It enhances nutrient absorption and lowers the chances of stomach allergies and cancer. The adequate amount of dietary fiber and laxative properties assist in bowel functions and eliminate constipation, bloating. Fiber also reduces cholesterol levels in the body. It is used in Ayurvedic therapy to cure dyspepsia, diarrhea, burning sensations, and navel pain. The studies show that the use of Asparagus effectively treats dyspepsia. (1)
- Antitumor properties
Asparagus possess phytonutrients called saponins. The study has shown that Asparagus possess anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Asparagus increases glutathione levels, antioxidant compounds which are essential for preventing cystic fibrosis, anemia, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, cardiac disorders AIDS, and HIV. (2) (3) (4)
- Reduce diabetes
Asparagus possess anti-inflammatory properties which lower the chances of chronic health ailments such as type 2 diabetes. It attributes the mineral chromium which is essential for the regulation of blood sugar levels. The studies show that Asparagus helps to maintain the blood sugar level, enhances insulin secretion, and provides an anti-diabetic effect. (5) (6) (7)
- Cures hangovers
The extracts of Asparagus possess essential amino acids which effectively cure hangovers caused due to the substantial consumption of alcoholic drinks. Fatigue, anxiety, vomiting, and dehydration are the symptoms of hangovers. The study on the research shows that the shoots and leaves of Asparagus possess inorganic mineral content which assists to protect the liver cells from the toxic effects of alcohol. (8)
- Vision health
Vitamin A is essential for healthy vision. The antioxidants found in Asparagus prevent the retina from damage which is caused by oxygen-free radicals. The presence of glutathione reduces the chances of eye ailments such as night blindness and cataracts.
- Reduce arthritis
Arthritis is a chronic health condition that leads to joint inflammation. The studies show that the intake of foods rich in folate possesses anti-inflammatory properties which assist to soothe pain and relieve the poor functioning related to arthritis. (9)
- Treats hemorrhoid
Asparagus possess a high amount of rutin which is a flavonoid containing anti-inflammatory properties, treats hemorrhoids, and prevents blood clotting. It promotes permeability of capillaries, enhances blood vessels, and prevents from being weak. Rutin eradicates the hardening of arteries by lessening the blood viscosity and relaxing hypertension, lowering cholesterol, and supporting cardiovascular health. (10)
- Treats neurodegenerative diseases
Neurodegenerative diseases are conditions that affect neurons of the human brain. The body is not able to replace the damaged neurons. Studies have shown that Asparagus effectively treats neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and Huntington’s diseases. The presence of phytoestrogens in the Asparagus possesses certain neuroprotective effects. (11)
- Cure urinary tract infections
The study conducted on the research shows that Asparagus contains an anti-urolithiasis effect which helps to treat urinary tract infections. The diuretic properties found in the Asparagus enhance the volume and frequency of urination. This eliminates the toxic waste from the body. The research shows that the anti urolithiasis effect attributes the antioxidants and essential Vitamin E and C. Asparagus breaks down the constituents of sulfur and ammonia into volatile compounds that assist to detoxify the body. (12) (13)
- Reduce blood cholesterol
The studies have shown that the antioxidants found in Asparagus have the ability to treat oxidative stress and other disorders such as hypercholesterolemia and hyperlipidemia. These diseases are caused of the high presence of cholesterol and fat in the body. It also leads to fatal conditions such as atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. (14)
Traditional uses
Green resin is used to treat calculous affections, rheumatism, flatulence, cardiac dropsy, and chronic gout. A combination of 1 to 2 grains with potassium bromide is useful for cardiac dropsy and chronic gout. The boiled water of Asparagus cures rheumatism. Roots are considered a powerful diuretic in Brazil. Roots are also used as a treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis and bronchial catarrh. In Tehran, burned and smoked roots are used to relieve toothaches. It is also considered palliative, diuretic, laxative, and cardiac sedative. So it is used to treat cystitis, arthrosis, and tuberculosis. Asparagus was believed by ancient Greeks and Romans to relieve toothaches and prevent bee stings. It is used to enhance the immune system, maintain liver health, and reduce inflammation. The infusion made from Asparagus is effective to treat congestive torpor of the liver and jaundice.
References
