Asparagus: benefits, harm and recommendations for use
Asparagus is widely used in cooking.From it you can make real delicacies. We will talk about the benefits and dangers of asparagus, as well as give recommendations on its use.
Calorie and chemical composition
Many people think that asparagus is called salad, which can be bought in the department with Korean food. However, it is not. This salad is not made from "real" asparagus. This sharp flavored snack is made from soy. Real asparagus is a plant also known as “Asparagus”.
This plant grows in many countries. Asparagus grows best in dry climates. Currently, there are many different species of this plant. Each of them has its own unique features. Some varieties of asparagus are used for the manufacture of folk remedies, as they have healing properties for the body. Others are more used in cooking.
Properly cooked asparagus is a real delicacy. Dishes made from this plant are appreciated all over the world. This plant is also used to make healthy juices, as it contains many vitamins.
Asparagus is definitely can be attributed to dietary products. She can safely include in your diet men and women watching their weight. Allowed diet dishes made from asparagus, even during strict diets. The calorie content of the product is low - only 21-23 kcal.
Nutritional nutrients in asparagus are very few. So, 100 grams contains only 2 grams of protein and 3.2 grams of carbohydrates. There are practically no plant fats in the plant. 100 grams of ground parts contain only 0.11 grams of fat.
In the plant there are many necessary for the body compounds. Among them:
- retinoids, including vitamin A;
- thiamine;
- vitamin B2;
- pantothenic acid;
- pyridoxine;
- vitamin C;
- tocopherol;
- folic acid;
- biotin;
- a nicotinic acid.
All these components need the cells of our body to carry out vital functions. The inclusion of asparagus stems in the diet allows you to fill the body's need for these components.
The plant contains a complex of mineral compounds. So, in the stems are present:
- potassium;
- phosphorus;
- magnesium;
- calcium;
- zinc;
- iron.
Each of these components ensures the maintenance of normal functioning of the organs of the human body. Moreover, both men and women need these substances. Regular intake of such components is a good prevention of the development of many dangerous pathological conditions.
Beneficial features
Asparagus stems are rich in dietary fiber. Without fiber, you can’t imagine full digestion. People who eat an inadequate amount of vegetables and herbs may experience problems with regular bowel movements. In order to avoid such problems, be sure to include in your diet asparagus and other foods rich in vegetable fiber.
Scientists have discovered that plant fiber helps to "improve" the work of the intestine. Moreover, plant fiber supports the growth of normal microflora - bacteria that live on the walls of the large intestine and are necessary for digestion. A decrease in the number of these microbes can lead to the appearance of adverse symptoms - severe gas formation and bloating in the stomach.
Asparagus is recommended for inclusion in the diet of people who suffer from cardiovascular diseases. However, it is possible to eat the stems of this plant not only in order to maintain the normal functioning of the heart, but also to prevent the development of heart pathologies.
Microbiologists have found that this plant contains a unique substance - asparagine. It can affect the tone of the blood vessels, leading to their relaxation. Some medications that people suffering from heart and blood vessel diseases have to take have such a vasodilating effect.The inclusion of asparagus in the diet naturally helps to improve vascular tone, which leads to stabilization of blood pressure and increase the body's tolerance to physical exertion. Not by chance people who regularly eat asparagus stalks feel better and notice increased efficiency.
The benefits to human health from eating asparagus is also in the fact that it helps to reduce the risk of the appearance of pathologies of the urinary system. Both men and women can become ill with them. Doctors say that the treatment of these diseases is quite complicated, and it is much easier to prevent them than to cure them.
Asparagus shoots contain active substances that have a mild diuretic effect. Also a number of components contribute to the improvement of the kidneys. This combined effect leads to the fact that the functioning of the urinary system improves. In humans, urine excretion is normalized, and the risk of deposition of mineral salts is also reduced.
Asparagus shoots also help to improve digestion. They contain components that can affect the functioning of the gallbladder. Normalization of the excretion of bile helps to improve the processes of digestion. Asparagus is especially useful for people who suffer from bile stasis or have a high risk of developing cholecystitis.
Asparagus shoots should be eaten not only to people of working age. This food product is extremely useful for the elderly. It contains components that help relieve inflammation. Many people who began to eat asparagus shoots for food have reduced the negative effects of arthritis and rheumatism. This plant also helps with gout.
Asparagus shoots are also useful for people who suffer from increased bone fragility. In the aerial parts of the plant contains calcium - a substance necessary for strengthening bone tissue. Calcium is also needed to maintain tooth strength. It is believed that people who consume a sufficient amount of products containing calcium are less prone to the appearance of caries.
Asparagus includes even vegans and vegetarians in their diet. The inclusion of this plant in food helps them to meet the needs of the body for protein. Asparagus sprouts contain vegetable proteins, which are extremely important in vegetarian style food. At the same time in the asparagus shoots there are many mineral compounds, which also requires the human body, abandoning the use of meat.
Many women report feeling unwell during premenstrual syndrome. During PMS, mood decreases, edema appears, digestion changes. Some women also develop constipation and urination disorders. Even palatability during ICP is changing.
In order to reduce the severity of these adverse symptoms, in the second half of the menstrual cycle, doctors advise such women to use asparagus shoots. You can eat asparagus even during menstruation, since the components it contains help reduce the severity of pain that occurs at this time in the lower abdomen.
Contained in asparagus shoots help slow the development of age-related eye diseases. Specialists of traditional medicine note that people who consume enough asparagus are less likely to suffer from cataracts and other age-related ophthalmologic diseases.
Deliciously cooked asparagus is a great side dish for a romantic dinner. This plant contains substances - aphrodisiacs. They help strengthen the libido, and also contribute to the natural improvement of mood.
Include in the diet of asparagus shoots can not only women but also men. In the terrestrial parts of the plant there are substances that can have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the genital organs.It is believed that the substances contained in the asparagus shoots, even help to improve the potency. Eating asparagus shoots as food for the stronger sex should also be used to reduce the risk of developing prostate diseases.
You can eat different asparagus. Of course, fresh shoots contain more active ingredients that have healing properties for the body than dried ones. However, if desired, the stems can be crushed and dried. This powder is suitable for the preparation of various vegetable decoctions, broths, sauces and bases for hot dishes.
Before use, the asparagus must be cleaned. If the terrestrial parts of the plant are green, they should be cleaned from about the middle to the very bottom of the stem. When using white shoots - clean only under the top.
Pregnancy
Making a diet for a pregnant woman is not easy. Not all foods are allowed to eat to expectant mothers. Some of them can provoke adverse symptoms in a pregnant woman and even affect the well-being and development of a child growing in her uterus.
Asparagus expectant mothers can eat calmly. This plant does not adversely affect fetal development. Moreover, the green shoots contain many substances that improve the well-being of the expectant mother during pregnancy.
So, in asparagus shoots contains folic acid. This component is one of the most important during the intrauterine development of the crumbs. Folic acid promotes cell growth in the body. It also participates in division processes and other cellular processes. Reducing folic acid intake in a pregnant woman’s body can lead to the formation of extremely dangerous conditions.
During pregnancy, women's well-being is constantly changing. Specific changes occur with her mood. All this is due to changes in the reproductive system. The level of hormones in a pregnant woman often changes, which leads to "differences" in mood. Improving well-being and coping with depressive thoughts can be difficult.
In order for the future mom's mood to remain good, doctors recommend including foods rich in B vitamins in her diet. One of them is asparagus. Adding asparagus shoots in food helps to improve the functioning of the nervous system, which leads to a natural normalization of mood.
The use of asparagus shoots during pregnancy is also a good prevention of the appearance of edema. As a rule, strong puffiness begins to disturb future mothers from the second half of pregnancy. Eating asparagus meals helps reduce puffiness and also helps maintain normal weight.
In order for the effect to be more noticeable, vegetable snacks made from asparagus shoots should not be heavily salted. Salt contributes to water retention in the body, which can lead to pastoznost.
Reducing the iron content in the female body is a common problem that is recorded during pregnancy. Even a woman who did not know about the existence of this disease before conception may face iron deficiency anemia. The decrease in the level of iron in the blood is due to intensive processes of fetal development of the child. To replenish this mineral, doctors recommend expectant mothers to regularly take vitamin preparations that contain it, and also to include iron-rich foods in the menu.
Asparagus shoots can be included in your menu not only for pregnant women during the diet therapy of iron deficiency anemia, but also simply for prevention.It is extremely important to eat enough iron-containing foods for women who, while carrying a baby, continue to adhere to a vegetarian style of nutrition. Asparagus dishes in this case should be present on the table more often.
The method of preparation of asparagus shoots plays an important role during pregnancy. Thus, it is better to give preference to pregnant women to boiled, baked or steamed asparagus.
Eat pickled shoots are not worth it, because they contain quite a lot of acetic acid, various spices, salt and sugar. Such snacks can cause indigestion or heaviness in the stomach, as well as cause severe flatulence in the intestines.
Breast-feeding
Asparagus shoots can be included in your diet not only for a pregnant woman, but also for a nursing mother. Meals prepared from the above-ground parts of the plant help to improve well-being, as well as normalize the body's work.
During breastfeeding (HB) it is very important that a woman receives the full range of minerals. Also, her body needs vitamins. Moreover, the physiological needs of the female body during breastfeeding significantly increase. This is largely due to the fact that some of the nutrients remain in the mother's body, and the other part with breast milk goes to the baby.
Asparagus shoots do not usually cause food allergies in either the mother or her baby. However, when introducing into the diet of dishes prepared from asparagus, you should still be careful.
It is highly undesirable to introduce new foods into the diet during HB. It is better to use vegetables that the woman consumed before pregnancy.
However, if the desire to eat asparagus shoots during lactation is high, then you can carefully try to do it. In this case, be sure to remember the number of edible shoots. For the first use, 2-3 stalks are enough. After the introduction of a new product, a nursing mother should definitely evaluate her state of health, as well as the reaction of the child.
With the introduction of asparagus shoots should examine the baby's skin for the appearance of rash on it. Allergic rash or redness can be located on different parts of the body and even on the face. You should also closely monitor the behavior of the baby. If the child has become capricious, began to abandon the chest and crying a lot, then in that case you should definitely show it to the pediatrician. The doctor will examine the crumb and assess whether asparagus could have caused the onset of such symptoms.
Cooking asparagus shoots during HB should be done properly. All recipes that include the method of cooking asparagus method of roasting, it is better to exclude. Should choose dishes that are steamed or in a saucepan.
It is better to choose fresh asparagus for cooking, as it contains more wholesome ingredients. Asparagus shoots when buying a better look. Buying stems with signs of rot is not worth it, as eating them may be fraught with the development of food poisoning.
Harm and contraindications
Asparagus shoots are food products that bring the body a lot of benefits. However, they can be harmful. Adverse symptoms often appear in people who eat too much asparagus shoots during the day, exceeding the recommended rules.
Asparagus refers to products that are extremely rarely capable of provoking the appearance of allergies. However, cases of development of allergic pathologies after eating this plant are still registered in medical practice. Allergies can occur in both an adult and a baby. If adverse allergic manifestations appear, then in this case you should immediately stop using asparagus and be sure to consult an allergist.
Some people have individual intolerance to asparagus.Note that this pathology is recorded quite rarely. People who have such an organism feature cannot use asparagus in any way.
Individual intolerance to asparagus persists throughout life. This implies the complete elimination of asparagus shoots from the diet to avoid the development of extremely dangerous health conditions.
Do not include in your diet asparagus shoots for people suffering from peptic ulcer disease. They are also not allowed to eat when exacerbating erosive gastritis. Diet therapy of these diseases is quite strict. Asparagus shoots contain a number of organic acids and other active ingredients that can trigger abdominal pain in a person suffering from a stomach ulcer or having erosion in the organs of the gastrointestinal tract.
The use of asparagus shoots can lead to the occurrence of adverse symptoms of flatulence. Severe bloating in the abdomen, abnormal stool, intestinal colic — all these symptoms are the result of irritable bowel syndrome, chronic colitis, Crohn's disease, and many other diseases. For any bowel disease, it is better to enter asparagus shoots into the menu after prior consultation with the doctor.
The use of succulent stems can lead to an exacerbation of a chronic disease, as well as cause complications of the disease. Also, the asparagus stems should not be included in their menus for people who tend to have frequent stools (diarrhea). Eating asparagus can accelerate intestinal motility, which ultimately leads to increased diarrhea and poor health.
Asparagus sprouts contain sulfur components that can influence the smell of biological excretions. For example, people who regularly eat asparagus for food, change the smell of sweat and urine. Such changes may cause discomfort. Usually these manifestations are more noticeable after intense exercise in sports and in the summer hot season, when the flow of blood increases.
Carefully use asparagus shoots should also be people suffering from chronic pathologies of the kidneys. Substances present in the plant contribute to enhanced diuresis. With a number of pathologies, such an action can lead to the appearance of extremely adverse symptoms. Do not abuse asparagus and people suffering from chronic cystitis.
Asparagus can increase the effect of diuretic drugs. This should be remembered by people who, due to their pathologies, are forced to take such agents for a long time and constantly.
If the diuretic effect is too strong, and the urge to urinate has become more frequent, then it is necessary to limit the amount of asparagus consumed.
Application for weight loss
Asparagus shoots are a unique product that is great for the person who wants to lose weight. Low calorie content, lack of lipids in the composition "make" asparagus attractive for people who adhere to even the most strict diets.
Unconditional plus of a product - the maintenance in it vegetable proteins. Proteins are not only necessary components for the cells of the body, but also necessary for an active process of losing weight. Vegetable protein is quite easily absorbed by the body, and its metabolites are simply excreted. Thus, the body receives energy, but the digestive processes do not slow down.
Asparagus shoots contain components that have a mild laxative effect and a diuretic effect. It also contributes to active weight loss. A dish made from asparagus can be quite nutritious. To do this, it is not necessary to add fatty foods to it. For example, asparagus can be combined with lean meats, poultry or eggs.
Restricting the intake of substances during the diet can lead to the fact that the body will accumulate metabolites and metabolic products.If such substances become too much, then this may cause the development of pathologies. In the asparagus shoots contain components that contribute to the removal of toxic "waste" substances from the body. This action also contributes to the fact that those extra pounds "melt" faster.
To master the dishes of asparagus can anyone. Many people who dream of losing weight, exclude fresh asparagaceous shoots from their diet simply because they do not know how to cook them properly and tasty. Make it pretty simple. First you need to decide which succulent stems are better to buy.
Before buying asparagus shoots pay attention to the following recommendations.
- Feel the shoots. Fresh and high-quality should be hard enough and not painted with pressure.
- If possible, before you buy asparagus, you should smell it. If the plant has no smell, then you can safely buy it. When determining the acidic or stale smell, you should not buy such stems, since their use can lead to toxic infection.
- Choose stalks without seeds. Such above-ground parts of the plant are more fresh and are excellent for preparing various dishes.
- Quality asparagus should not be wet or excessively dry. If condensate is visible in the box with shoots, then you should not buy such a product, as it is likely that it will deteriorate rather quickly and will not last long.
Asparagus shoots are great for a fasting day. People who choose this method of losing weight can “lose” from 0.5 kg or more in one day. In order not to harm your body, the days of such "unloading" should not be done more often than 2 times a month.
A fasting day on asparagus helps not only to get rid of a few centimeters at the waist and hips, but also helps to enrich the body with minerals. This way of losing weight is suitable only for people who do not have contraindications to the use of asparagus. During such a fasting day, only asparagus shoots should be consumed. They can be boiled or steamed.
During the day, 4-5 servings of asparagus should be eaten. The volume of each of them should not exceed 350 grams. There are boiled asparagus shoots followed at regular intervals. 1.5 liters of fluid are also allowed. If you wish, you can pamper yourself with a cup of green tea or coffee. Eat these drinks should be without any desserts.
Asparagus shoots can be prepared very tasty dietary meals. Make it pretty simple. So, from the aerial parts of this plant you can make a salad. To prepare this dish, take:
- green asparagaceous shoots - ½ kg;
- turkey breast - 2 pcs .;
- olive oil - 2 tbsp. l .;
- lemon juice - 1 tsp;
- honey - ½ tsp;
- salt and black pepper to taste.
Turkey breast for this recipe must be baked. To do this, grease the baking sheet with a small amount of oil and place the bird on it. Meat need a little salt and then send to the oven. Bake the turkey should be at a temperature of 180 degrees until cooked.
During the time the bird is cooked, you can make asparagus shoots and salad dressing. Hard parts should be removed from the stalks simply by cutting them off. Next, prepared shoots should be put in a double boiler and boil until soft. Cooking time depends on the power of the double boiler. After the asparagus shoots become soft, they should be cooled and cut into large pieces.
Salad dressing is prepared in seconds. To do this, in the oil should add a little salt, honey and citrus juice, and then mix thoroughly. Cut the asparagus and turkey pieces into a salad bowl, fill with dressing, pepper (if desired) and mix well.
This salad is great for a hearty, but light dinner. Also, if you wish, you can have lunch. The salad contains a lot of useful minerals, as well as vegetable protein.This dish is suitable not only for people who want to lose weight. It also perfectly complements the menu of a person who watches over his food and health.
Start the morning with a healthy breakfast. All people who watch the weight know about it. You can diversify your menu by preparing delicious scrambled eggs with asparagus stems. For cooking you will need:
- chicken eggs - 2 pieces;
- boiled asparagus shoots - 100 g;
- some vegetable oil;
- garlic - ½ cloves;
- salt - to taste.
In a heated frying pan fry the garlic in vegetable oil. After that, half the garlic should be removed, and in the fragrant garlic oil add boiled asparagus, cut into pieces. After that, immediately add the eggs. Fry the eggs for 3-4 minutes over medium heat. Serve this dish is better in a beautiful flat plate, decorated with finely chopped greens.
See the following video for the benefits and harms of asparagus.