2 December 2012
Asparagus as a cancer cure is not as bizarre as it sounds. Scientists around the world have been discovering the power of antioxidant-rich nutrition in the fight against chronic illness and disease.
This flavorful vegetable is one of the most powerful.
There are more than 300 varieties of asparagus – Asparagus Officinalis is the variety most commonly grown and eaten in the United States – but less than 20 are edible. Asparagus shoots resemble spears with small florets at the top and are green or purple in color.
The more purple a bunch of asparagus health benefits that it has, the sweeter its taste. The best time of year to buy asparagus is in the spring and early summer – it should be consumed within two days of purchase.
Asparagus has been grown as a food source for more than 2000 years but it is still one of the least popular vegetables! A shorter growing season keeps the price higher than more typical vegetables such as broccoli and spinach, but the nutrients in asparagus make it crucial to cancer prevention.
Is the Cure for Cancer in Asparagus?
Scientists believe that chronic inflammation is the root cause of not only cancer but many other diseases. Heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, Alzheimer’s and autoimmune diseases are among those linked to inflammation.
Consuming foods with naturally high anti-inflammatory properties lowers the risk of inflammation getting out of control and possibly leading to disease.
Folate: The Key Cancer Prevention Nutrient in Asparagus
Asparagus health benefits has shown great promise in the fight against breast, colon, lung, prostate, ovarian and other cancers.The known cancer-fighting properties of the nutrient folate, found in asparagus, were discovered when patients diagnosed with the disease were found to be folate-deficient, according to the American Cancer Society.
Women who drink alcohol regularly tend to have low folate levels and are at higher risk for breast cancer. Adding dietary folate to your nutrition helps reduce risks associated with alcohol.
Folate regulates cell division – cancer is the result of damaged cells dividing again and again. Folate, along with its synthetic cousin folic acid, prevents cellular mutations.
Additional research needs to be conducted and human trials established before scientists can say definitively that asparagus is a cancer cure; adding folate to your diet now means this powerhouse nutrient can work to protect your DNA and prevent cancer before it starts.
Asparagus health benefits is a natural anti-inflammatory and anti-depressant.
An Overlooked Super Food
Many aspects of asparagus health benefits are simply overlooked perhaps because it’s either too expensive or because people are turned off by its effect on urine.
Many people report a strong smell in their urine following consumption of asparagus, but scientists can find no cause for the odor. They are certain, however, that it is not an adverse reaction – there is no danger associated with the strange odor.
Asparagus and Heart Health
66% of the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of folate is contained in one cup of asparagus.
Folate is critical to heart health because it regulates homocysteine levels – an amino acid found in the blood that is caused by eating too much meat and not getting enough folate in your diet.
A study conducted in Norway linked high levels of homocysteine to strokes and heart attacks that resulted in death. Folate breaks down homocysteine and keeps it from forming fatty deposits in the arteries.
As a great source of vitamin K, asparagus health benefits prevents the buildup of calcium in the cardiovascular system, a proven cause of heart disease. Vitamin K also strengthens bones.
Diuretic, Detoxifier and Digestive Aid
Asparagus works well as a natural diuretic for the treatment of water retention related to PMS.
It increases urine output, which helps to prevent and treat bladder, urinary tract and kidney infections. The potassium, folate, glutathione and vitamin K in asparagus have also been shown to lower the risk of kidney stones.
The carbohydrate called inulin in asparagus prevents the growth of bad gut bacteria and stimulates the growth of good gut bacteria. Asparagus health benefits is also high in fiber, which stabilizes digestion, makes you feel fuller faster and prevents constipation.
According to the UCLA Medical Center, asparagus is naturally low in calories, salt-free and contains no fat or cholesterol, making it ideal for detoxification. Every cup of asparagus is packed with potassium, which has been found to minimize fat deposits in the belly.
Bone Health
Asparagus is the number one source for vitamin K – containing almost 70% of the RDA in a single cup. Vitamin K keeps bones strong and repairs damage, preventing the risk of osteoporosis and osteoarthritis.
Folate and Vitamin K Aren’t the Only Heroes in Asparagus:
- • Vitamin A is abundant in asparagus and protects vision, bone development and growth.
• Tryptophan is pivotal to the synthesis of serotonin – a mood-enhancing hormone. Low levels of tryptophan in those with cancer can lead to increased feelings of depression and hopelessness.
• Vitamin B2 metabolizes fat and carbohydrates in your body but is also crucial for normal cell growth.
The next time you pass it in your supermarket produce section, stop and give those stems a chance!
Further Related Reading:
http://undergroundhealthreporter.com/asparagus-health-benefits
