Asparagus is a very nutritious vegetable, and tasty too, especially grilled and drizzled with olive oil and sea salt!

But I bet you didn’t know that asparagus actually has aphrodisiac properties as well as other surprising benefits… now let’s look at my today’s article.

Asparagus has been used as a medicinal food/herb since before the time of Christ. This highly sought after and valued herb is native to both European and Asian cultures, and this is shown in many texts based on botany and herbal medicine findings throughout the regions.

Asparagus is most well-known for its specific action on all of the urinary system (kidneys and bladder), the most well-known being:

Helps support and facilitate kidney function.

Increases urine production (diuretic)

Soothing to the urinary system

Anti-edema – especially with excess fluid from around the heart

Kidney and bladder cleanser

Boosts cellular action in the kidneys

Breaks up uric acid – therefore excellent for gout and kidney stones

*Best avoided in conditions where the kidneys are chronically inflamed (e.g. nephritis), and not to be eaten in excess.

Others actions include: Lowers blood pressure (due to diuretic action), bitter (stimulates digestion), laxative (due to fiber), blood purifier, anti-rheumatic (removes uric acid), anti-parasitic, calming, promotes fertility, beneficial for all aspects of the female reproductive system (highly beneficial for men too).

The magic of this humble plant comes down to many naturally occurring chemicals, unlike western medicine that just singles out one chemical:

Asparagin

Asparagosdies

Asparagusic acid

Bitter principles: officinalisins

Flavonoids (rutin, quercetin, kaempferol)

Glycolic acid

Glycosides

Saponins

Tyrosin

Including: Vitamin A, B, C, E, folic acid, calcium, iron, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, selenium, iodine, magnesium, manganese, sulphur, silicon

You see the beauty of natural medicine is in the synergism of all the chemicals in the plant, nature has been running its own “clinical trials” for the past few billion years, and has come up with the best combination of chemicals to help those that walk the earth.

And the beautiful part is that once ingested, the body gets to choose which natural chemicals it needs – as opposed to being forced in one direction (i.e. western drugs).

Another important factor that this plant “brings to the table” (pardon the pun), is that it is highly alkaline. Now if you have read any of my stuff before you’ll know just how important it is to alkalise your body when you have kidney disease (any other chronic condition for that matter).

Asparagus does this so well that it is even used in some cancer therapies just for that! It’s the high ammonia content that is working that here.

Disclaimer: The information on this POST is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional advice. The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained on or available through this article is for general information purposes / educational purposes only, and to ensure discussion or debate.

Thank you …A question that I often get in relation to asparagus, is that it contains high amounts of potassium and phosphorus. Now most of you will have already been told by your doctor that potassium, phosphorus, protein, and sodium all need to be reduced when suffering from kidney disease.

This is because in some individuals the kidneys struggle to eliminate them.

The important part to emphasise here is that only some people have this problem…

How do you know if you are one of those people?

Well, when you have your next blood test, ask your doctor if your potassium and phosphorus levels are in the normal range.

If they are in the normal range you may consume them without much restriction, and if they are high… you may in fact still consume them. Confused?

I am not surprised if you are. You see just because you have a condition that requires certain nutrients to be limited (key word being ‘limited’), does not mean you need to avoid all foods that contain a moderate or high level of these minerals.

Everything in Moderation

We all know that a healthy diet is the key to your health.

So could you imagine your health if all you did was eat low nutrient dense foods – Breads, pasta, sugar foods, biscuits, etc.?

In fact maybe that’s what contributed to your health in the first place?

Could you imagine what your health would be like if you instead ate a broad range of fruits, vegetables, whole foods, nuts, seeds, whole grains, etc., though watched your total intake of potassium, phosphorus, protein and sodium for the day?

Don’t let fear replace common sense: have a well balance diet, but make sure you track your intake of potassium, phosphorus, protein, and sodium.

Do you want to add a word or two…

When it comes to vegetables, asparagus is the ultimate treat — it’s a delicious and versatile nutritional powerhouse.

Given that it’s usually served cooked, you may wonder if eating raw asparagus is equally viable and healthy.

Asparagus is a versatile vegetable, so you can prepare it in a variety of ways. It’s in season in early spring, from March to May.

Asparagus is best eaten cooked, because the heat helps soften it up. Boiling, steaming, frying, and grilling are all common cooking methods. It’s common to serve cooked asparagus with hollandaise sauce, but it can be served many other ways as well.

Your Comments……

Here are some ways you can add asparagus to your diet:

Grill it with spices as a side.

Cook it then chill it to add to salad.

Chop into small pieces and add it to a stir-fry.

Sprinkle it with cheese then bake it as a snack.

Add to pasta for a fresh twist.

Roll in egg whites, then in bread crumbs, then bake into “fries.”

Add asparagus spears to an omelet for a nutritional boost.

The health benefits of asparagus include good cardiovascular health, healthy, improved fertility, relief from the pre-menstrual syndrome, and improved bone health.

It is also beneficial in managing conditions like diabetes, hangovers, cataract, rheumatism, depression, neurodegenerative diseases, and convulsions.

It reduces urinary tract infections and blood cholesterol. It is also good for digestive health and has shown anticancer potential.

If you do have a medical question do check it out with your doctor.

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