Is Asparagus Bad For You?
Also Known As: Asparagus officinalis
Short answer
Asparagus is very good for you. Eating it regularly can prevent a variety of illnesses and can improve your overall wellbeing.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Probably best known for its ability to add an interesting odor to urine, asparagus is nevertheless so much more than that. It is high in a wide variety of nutrients and low in calories and fat, making it an ideal food to eat if you are looking to get fit and healthy!
Asparagus has a high antioxidant content, which is comprised largely of vitamins E and C. These strengthen the immune system so that your body is better able to ward off infections and illnesses, ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as cancer. Asparagus can particularly help reduce the risk of breast, colon, and lung cancers by breaking down the free radicals cruising through your body. On top of this, these antioxidants may also help slow the aging process. Inflammation, dull looking skin, and wrinkles will, therefore, take much longer to make their mark.
Asparagus can also help slow the cognitive decline that often comes with advanced age. Folate is to thank in this case. This nutrient is extremely important for pregnant women as well, as it is needed for babies to develop properly, especially when it comes to their neural tubes. Neural tubes are the premature version of the brain and spinal cord, and without folate, they will not close or function normally. Lifelong disability or even death can result from this lack of folate. Luckily, asparagus is a great source, and if eaten regularly along with other folate-rich food throughout pregnancy, it can help prevent this unfortunate fate.
If all this wasn't enough, asparagus contains fiber which keeps you regular and helps prevent colon cancer. It is a source of vitamin K, which keeps your bones strong and stops breaks and fractures from easily occurring. It also contains asparagine, an amino acid that acts as a diuretic. This is great for reducing fluid retention, high blood pressure, and ridding the body of excess salt-- and is especially beneficial for those who are at risk of developing kidney stones.
However, there is a chance that asparagus may cause an allergic reaction in those that are sensitive to the allergens it contains. Symptoms include hives, swelling of the mouth and lips, difficulty breathing, and a runny nose. Asparagus allergy is more likely to be present in those who are also allergic to garlic, onions, and chives, so if you react to any of those you may want to steer clear of asparagus.
If this does not apply to you, then asparagus is truly an excellent choice of food!
Possible short-term side effects
- smelly urine
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asparagus allergy can cause swelling of the mouth and lips, hives, trouble breathing, and runny nose
Ingredients to be aware of
- aspa o 1.01 (asparagus allergen)
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aspa o 1.02 (asparagus allergen)
Benefits
- acts as a diuretic
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prevents kidney stones
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prevents cognitive decline
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helps prevent certain cancers
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helps maintain good bone health
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promotes regularity
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low in calories
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zero fat
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strengthens immune system
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Written by Lindsay
Published on: 02-11-2016
Last updated: 12-10-2016
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Lindsay
Published on: 02-11-2016
Last updated: 12-10-2016
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