How to beat stress, boost fertility, balance hormones? Include asparagus in your daily diet

Health benefits of asparagus: A popular traditional medicinal plant, asparagus contains a variety of natural chemicals that can help our body in different ways (Image: Canva)

Asparagus is a versatile vegetable that can add its crispy touch when used in salads, or lend its delectably earthy and sweet flavour when used in creamy risottos. Whether you roast, grill, steam, or sauté it, this veggie is the star ingredient both home cooks and celebrity chefs swear by. Yet, beyond its culinary prowess, the health benefits of this vegetable remains a best kept secret.

A popular traditional medicinal plant, asparagus contains a variety of natural chemicals that can help our body in different ways. According to research conducted at two different colleges under the Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology (MPUAT) in Udaipur, Rajasthan, asparagus contains non-nutritive compounds like saponin, an active component in its roots, fructo-oligosaccharides, polysaccharides, asparosides, shatavarins, sapogenins, racemosols, isoflavones, glycosides, mucilage, and fatty acids.

Here’s how asparagus serves as a nutritional powerhouse that supports various aspects of well-being:

Supports fertility: Folate, a B-vitamin abundant in asparagus, plays a vital role in reproductive health. Studies suggest that adequate folate intake is associated with improved fertility in both men and women.

Fights stress: Its folate content is also good for fighting stress. Folate produces neurotransmitters like serotonin, which play a vital role in regulating mood and helps in stress management.

Balances hormones: Asparagus contains compounds that help in hormone modulation. The presence of certain phytochemicals has been associated with a balancing effect on hormonal levels. This contributes to the endocrine health.

Combats stomach ulcers: Studies indicate that some compounds present in asparagus exhibit anti-ulcer properties and provide relief and improve stomach health.

Manages kidney disorder: Asparagus is rich in diuretic properties that promote healthy urine production. This diuretic effect also helps manage certain kidney disorders by assisting in the elimination of waste products from the body.

Prevents Alzheimer’s: Vitamin E and folate in asparagus help keep brain healthy. They may also play a role in reducing the risk of neurodegenerative conditions such as the Alzheimer's disease.