Asparagus efficacy refers to the ability of asparagus to heal and improve a person’s health. Asparagus has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibacterial properties and is an effective dietary source of folate. It is also high in potassium, which can help lower blood pressure. It contains the amino acid glutathione, which helps protect cells from oxidation and has anticarcinogenic effects. It is also a good source of vitamin A, which is needed for healthy eyesight. Asparagus has a number of pharmacological functions and is used as an herbal remedy for many conditions, including arthritis, headaches, depression and premenstrual syndrome. It has been shown to be a natural diuretic and can help lower blood sugar levels in diabetics. It is also believed to be helpful in preventing heart disease and reducing the risk of cancer.
Asparagus contains a range of nutrients, including vitamins A and C, folate, potassium, phosphorus and iron. It also contains soluble fibre, which can aid digestion and lower cholesterol. It is low in calories and sodium and high in protein, folic acid and potassium. It is a good source of vitamins B6 and E, and it has anti-oxidant properties. In addition to this, asparagus has a wide range of other phytochemicals, including flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol and rutin), steroidal saponins, lignins and essential oils.
The phytochemicals in asparagus are responsible for many of the vegetable’s healing and medicinal properties. For example, Asparagus aesculentus, a species of asparagus that is native to China, has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties and can be used as a treatment for osteoarthritis. Asparagus is rich in folic acid, which helps prevent birth defects and promotes growth during pregnancy. It is important to consume enough folic acid during pregnancy because deficiency can lead to anemia.
Folate is also necessary for the production of red blood cells and the maintenance of bone strength. One cup of asparagus provides almost 10% of a person’s daily requirement for folic acid and between one-sixth and one-third of their requirement for iron. Folic acid is also an antioxidant that can protect against free radical damage.
Asparagus extracts are being studied for their efficacy in the treatment of a number of conditions, including gastrointestinal issues, urinary tract infections and breast cancer. The ethanol extract of asparagus stems (EEA) showed cytotoxic activity against HL-60 cancer cells, and a sulfate compound isolated from the roots, CSA, was found to induce cell cycle arrest in human prostate cancer PC-3 cells.
Another study tested the ergogenic (performance enhancing) effects of Asparagus racemosus in recreationally trained men. Researchers found that CSA supplementation significantly improved bench press performance during repeated maximal exercise sessions, compared with placebo. It is thought that the effect may be mediated by upregulation of macrophage iNOS and nitric oxide in the skeletal muscle. However, this needs further investigation.