Asparagus and their properties to purify, lose weight, and not only

The healthy properties of asparagus: detoxifying, slimming, draining, rebalancing, antioxidants, a concentrate of healthy properties: asparagus from April should not be missing from our tables, once or twice a week. The period from April to June is by definition the season of asparagus: foods highly appreciated for the countless beneficial properties that must not be missing from our table, at least once a week. 

Asparagus – Asparagus officinalis – a plant that reaches one and a half meters in height and has small white flowers. Asparagus belongs to the same family as garlic and onion but unlike these they are rich in chlorophyll which, in addition to giving it its green color, give it very interesting properties for the body and a characteristic and much appreciated flavor. Those of the wild type are widespread in our countryside: in fact it is found in all wooded and wild areas, in hedges and along the roads and the coast. In spring, shoots arise from the rhizome, which, if not picked, then become stems. The flowers are yellowish white with an unpleasant smell; The fruit is a rather small black berry, blooms from July to September.

Asparagus is good, healthy and rich in nutritional qualities that make these vegetables important allies of health and beauty because they purify, protect the skin, counteract cellulite, reduce hunger, are good for constipation problems. To begin with, they are the ideal food for those who want to lose weight and stay in shape – not only for their low caloric intake, about 25 kcal per 100 g – but as diuretics, laxatives, purifying, and appetite regulators. But that's not all: asparagus are real allies of health, and their properties are expressed to the maximum if consumed fresh and in season. That is why it is advisable not to exclude them from any diet that is slimming or detoxifying. Better yet: in view of the benefits it is advisable for everyone, with rare exceptions, to include them in the diet of this period once a week.

Thanks to the laxative property (they have a high fiber content, necessary for the proper functioning of intestinal transit) asparagus is indicated in case of constipation. Asparagus can be considered as a tasty natural supplement to counteract skin aging, cellulite, water retention, to eliminate toxins, counteract swelling and weight gain, and also to strengthen the immune system. That of stimulating diuresis (and consequently helping the control of blood pressure) is perhaps the best known feature, but as we said asparagus also have purifying and draining properties and thanks to this ability to help the body to dispose of excess liquids and toxins can be defined as a real DETOX food. The vitamins and mineral salts contained in them have functions of regulating metabolism, pressure, cholesterol and insulin levels.

Asparagus is composed of 90% water, and has only 23 calories per 100 grams and only 0.2 grams of fat. The edible part of the plant, the asparagus shoot, is an excellent source of vitamins and mineral salts: vitamin A, B, C and vitamin E, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium from whose mix derives an interesting antioxidant power.

Vitamin A brings benefits especially to the skin, vitamin C of which they are very rich (up to 15mg per 100gr) helps to strengthen the immune system and blood vessels, vitamin E gives the antioxidant property. Thanks to vitamin B, phosphorus, and the detoxifying effect, they fight fatigue. Calcium is essential for the health of bones and teeth, potassium (of which they are rich) and magnesium instead play a beneficial action at the level of the central nervous system and counteract stress, anxiety and insomnia, but also sadness, depression and mood swings (which improves). Another substance present within them, rutin (a flavonoid compound), helps strengthen the walls of the capillaries.

They are low in sodium and are therefore indicated in cases of hypertension and water retention (and therefore also in the presence of cellulite). They are also rich in folic acid, and their consumption is also recommended during pregnancy; They alleviate the problems related to premenstrual syndrome, help to regain calm and concentration. They contain asparagine, an amino acid useful for the synthesis of proteins and their metabolism, and inulin, a carbohydrate that is assimilated only in the large intestine able to optimize the absorption of nutrients.

Asparagus has been used in the kitchen since time immemorial, appreciated above all by the Romans, even if, for example, the great Julius Caesar did not like this vegetable with a very intense flavor. The taste of wild asparagus is stronger than the cultivated one, and the spontaneous plant is still widespread almost everywhere. Different qualities are grown.

Raw, steamed, boiled, fried, grilled, au gratin, stewed, in soups: the type of cooking can be chosen according to personal taste and size of the vegetable. Our advice is to favor raw or steamed consumption, the type of cooking that maintains the nutritional properties unchanged (and in any case favor short cooking). They pair well with eggs.

Curiosity

The typical unpleasant smell of urine is due to certain components that contain sulfur in large quantities that are metabolized and excreted quickly.

Contraindications and warnings:

Those who suffer from cystitis or have kidney problems should eat it in moderation, and ask their doctor for timely advice on nutrition. However, it is not recommended for those suffering from the formation of stony concretions (calculi) in the body and gout. It is preferable not to ingest its berries because their non-toxicity has not yet been proven.