This springtime vegetable can do
wonders for your body!
Asparagus is undoubtedly one of the most elegant and versatile
veggies, whether grilled with olive oil, salt, and pepper or roasted in truffle
oil and parmesan. It works equally well as a side dish with steak with seafood
or vegan pilaf. Plus, it's a low-calorie, nutrient-rich vegetable made up of
94% water—making it an excellent weight-loss food. Ever wondered what happens
to your body when you eat asparagus, however? Also, why can asparagus cause
your pee to smell funny? We're going to cover it all.
Dr. Rashmi Byakodi, a dentist, health and wellness expert, and
editor of Best for Nutrition, say asparagus has the highest amount of folic
acid and is also rich in vitamins K, C, A, and manganese.
Diana Gariglio-Clelland, a registered dietitian with Next Luxury,
explains that since asparagus is a non-starchy vegetable, it also doesn't raise
blood sugars significantly—making it an excellent choice for those who are
diabetic or pre-diabetic.
"You'll get a dose of folate, which is a nutrient important
for the prevention of neural tube defects in babies," she says.
"Pregnant women and those who plan to become pregnant should ensure they
get at least 400 micrograms of folate per day to help prevent these defects,
which tend to occur in the first trimester of pregnancy when some women might
not know they're even pregnant."
In other words, if this springtime superfood is one of your
go-to's, your body will thank you. But here are some of the health effects you
can expect when you eat asparagus.
1. Your blood might thicken.
Asparagus is a phenomenal source of vitamin K. Half a cup of
asparagus contains 45.5 micrograms—a whopping 57% of the RDI. That nutrient is
essential for normal blood coagulation, which comes in handy when you get a
cut.
"Vitamin K helps to form blood clots, which is why people on
blood thinners need to keep their intake of vitamin K consistent in order to
make sure their medications work properly," explains Gariglio-Clelland.
It's also worth noting that vitamin K is essential for bone
health.
2. Your blood pressure might go down.
Increasing your potassium intake (while lowering your sodium
intake) has consistently been an effective strategy for lowering blood
pressure. Luckily, asparagus is rich in this mineral, which can help your body
flush out excess salt through your urine.
"Potassium helps to dilate (relax) blood vessels, which then
helps to reduce blood pressure," says Gariglio-Clelland. "Researchers
have even found asparagus to be a natural ACE inhibitor, which helps reduce
blood pressure by stopping an enzyme that causes blood vessels to narrow."
3. Your pee might smell weird.
If you've ever caught a whiff of your pee after eating asparagus,
you'll know it can smell a little strange. It's all because of asparagusic
acid, a non-toxic chemical found only in this vegetable.
"This acid is broken down into sulfur byproducts, which gives
urine its distinct odor," Gariglio-Clelland adds.
When your body metabolizes asparagusic acid, it produces several
sulfurous byproducts that evaporate almost immediately after urinating. But
here's the weird part: Not everyone can smell it; in fact, studies have shown
that many people are unable to detect it. The more you know, right?
4. You'll feed the friendly bacteria in your gut.
A 1 cup serving of asparagus boasts 3.6 grams of fiber—or 14% of
your daily needs. It has a lot of insoluble fiber, which helps you maintain
regular bowel motions. But it also has soluble fiber, which allows friendly
bacteria like Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus to flourish in the gut.
Gariglio-Clelland adds that asparagus is high in fiber, beneficial
for the digestive system. "Fiber acts as a prebiotic and helps to promote
regular bowel movements. Prebiotics help grows good bacteria in our intestines,
which has a big impact on our overall health. Maintaining a healthy flora of
bacteria in the gut helps keep the digestive system healthy and even impacts
the immune system."
According to Lisa Richards, a nutritionist, and author of The
Candida Diet, Asparagus also contains a significant amount of inulin, an
indigestible fiber that functions as a prebiotic.
"A healthy gut leads to a healthy immune system," she
adds. And No, Probiotics and Prebiotics Aren't the Same Things.
5. You'll get an influx of antioxidants.
According to Richards, asparagus is an antioxidant powerhouse:
it's vital in vitamin C and a good source of vitamin E, both of which promote a
healthy immune system and protect cells from free radical damage. In addition,
this veggie also contains the flavonoids quercetin, isorhamnetin, and
kaempfero, known for their anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anticancer
effects.
Purple asparagus, in particular, gets its vibrant color from
anthocyanins, which have antioxidant effects on the body. Higher anthocyanin
intake has been linked to lower blood pressure and a lower risk of heart
attacks and heart disease in studies.
6. You'll flush out excess water and salt.
.webp)
Cranberry juice isn't the only natural way to ward off UTIs. The
amino acid asparagine, which asparagus is loaded with, acts as a natural
diuretic. As a result, eating asparagus can aid in the removal of excess fluid,
salt, and bacteria from the body, possibly preventing annoying (and often
painful) urinary tract infections and kidney stones. Not only that, but this
diuretic effect can also help to relieve or prevent bloating.
If you are already suffering from uric acid kidney stones, the National Institutes of Health recommends avoiding asparagus.