Asparagus can help to lift your spirits and reduce the risk of birth defects

(NaturalNews) Asparagus, the green spear-shaped vegetable that arrives in grocery stores at the beginning of spring, is packed with a wealth of health benefits, making it a good choice to add to your diet. One cup of asparagus contains only 40 calories and has a very low glycemic impact, which makes it a great addition for anyone who wants to reduce spikes in blood sugar levels.

What are the benefits of eating asparagus?

One of the ingredients in asparagus, folate, has been shown to help in the reduction of depression symptoms. Folate works to prevent high levels of homocysteine from accumulating in the body. High levels of homocysteine can interfere with the ability for the brain to receive vital nutrients and hormones, including serotonin and dopamine. When these hormones are not able to reach the brain, symptoms of depression can worsen and sleep patterns can become disturbed.

A few stalks of the vegetable can also help to prevent birth defects, as four spears contribute close to one-quarter of the recommended daily allowance for folic acid. However, pregnant women aren't the only ones who can benefit from consuming folic acid, as the nutrient has been found to help with cell regeneration and reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.

Keep things regular with asparagus

High in both fiber and water content, asparagus can aid in preventing constipation, ensuring that the body is able to effectively remove toxins before they accumulate. Half a cup of asparagus tips provides close to two grams per serving while only containing 20 calories, making it a great source of both soluble and insoluble fiber.

The high fiber content also contributes to the filling characteristic associated with the vegetable, making it a great vegetable choice to aid in weight loss goals. Diets that are high in fiber have been shown to reduce the risk of hypertension and obesity, reduce serum-cholesterol levels, and the development of various gastrointestinal diseases and colon cancer.

Sources:

www.whfoods.com

www.medicalnewstoday.com

bembu.com

nutritiondata.self.com

onlinelibrary.wiley.com

About the author:
Raw Michelle is a natural health blogger and researcher, sharing her passions with others, using the Internet as her medium. She discusses topics in a straight forward way in hopes to help people from all walks of life achieve optimal health and well-being. She has authored and published hundreds of articles on topics such as the raw food diet and green living in general. >>> Click here to see more by Michelle