Concept in Definition ABC

The asparagus they constitute a food that combines an excellent flavor with a great variety of properties very well beneficial for the body, among which its potential to combat serious diseases such as cancer.

This vegetable has the scientific name Asparagus officinales, it is the bud of a shrub that occurs mainly in dry lands of Africa and Asia where it originates.

Composition of asparagus

Asparagus is rich in Water and vegetable fiber, however they have high concentrations of important nutrients like folic acid, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C and zinc. They also contain high concentrations of flavonoids like zeaxanthin and antioxidants like beta carotenes.

Health benefits of asparagus

Asparagus is a very versatile food that also helps keep those who consume them regularly healthy and young, its main beneficial effects for the body include:

Improvement in the skin, hair and nails. The tall contents in folic acid, zinc and vitamin C gives asparagus the ability to increase the process of

training of these tissues as it stimulates the formation of protein structural like collagen. Zinc also helps improve libido and fertility.

Combat fluid retention. Because it is a nutrient rich in water and potassium, it is capable of stimulating kidney function which helps to purify toxins from the body while helping to improve disorders such as fluid retention. This diuretic effect is particularly useful in the case of venous disorders of the legs or in the treatment of conditions such as cellulite.

They protect the cardiovascular system. The presence of folic acid and flavonoids make asparagus food capable of protecting the cardiovascular system, especially the arteries and the heart preventing the appearance of heart attacks, this is due to the fact that they have an anti-inflammatory effect on the vascular wall while reducing the oxidation of bad cholesterol (LDL) particles, which is an important step in the process of arteriosclerosis.

Prevents cancer. Scientific studies have shown that asparagus can help prevent the appearance of certain types of cancer, this is due to its contribution of the combination of three nutrients such as vitamin B6, folic acid and methionine as well as a recently identified compound called Asparanin A, also their glutathione content make them powerful antioxidants capable of fighting free radicals and a wide variety of compounds toxic.

Photos: iStock - Neustockimages / Borut Trdina

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