Help Improve Heart Health With Asparagus

Asparagus is more than just a delicious vegetable. It is a versatile, nutrition-packed superfood that provides a wealth of health benefits. A succulent, savory vegetable, asparagus is a good source of an array of nutrients that is good for digestive and cardiovascular health. Adding them to our diet can help us lower our risk of chronic diseases like cancer and heart diseases.

Asparagus And Heart Health

High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke.

Studies revealed that asparagus is a good source of potassium. This mineral lower blood pressure in two ways: by relaxing the walls of blood vessels and excreting excess salt through urine. A half serving of asparagus can supply our body with 6% of our daily requirement of potassium.

The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that we should reduce consumption of added salt, or sodium while increasing intake of potassium. Doing so can help us manage blood pressure and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Aside from this, the vegetable is also extremely high in vitamin K, which help blood clot. According to the Harvard University School of Public Health, its high levels of B vitamins also help regulate the amino acid homocysteine – too much of which can be a serious risk factor in heart disease.

What’s More?

Asparagus has anti-inflammatory properties and potent antioxidants (beta carotene, tocopherol, and selenium) which contribute to cardiovascular health. This nutrient-packed veggie has amino acid asparagine which serves as a natural diuretic, and increased urination not only releases fluid but helps rid the body of excess salts. Meanwhile, its soluble fiber helps reduce LDL cholesterol and overall cholesterol.

Authors of 2017 review found that consumption of a high fiber diet has been associated with lower blood pressure and less low-density lipoprotein, or “bad,” cholesterol in the participant’s blood.

We can take advantage of the many benefits of this veggie by just roasting, grilling, or stir-frying it. These quick-cooking, waterless methods will preserve the fabulous nutritional content and antioxidant power of asparagus.