Asparagus has been revered by ancient Greek and Romans as a prized delicacy. One of the oldest recorded vegetable; it is thought to have originated along the coastal regions of eastern Mediterranean and Asia Minor areas. Botanically this herbaceous perennial plant belongs to the liliaceae family, of the genus, A. officinalis; a very large genus which also includes onion, garlic, tulip, daffodil …etc.
This spear vegetable is now grown as major commercial crop in China, Europe, Peru, Australia, and USA.
To cultivate, asparagus crowns are planted by early spring grows into tall branched stems bearing fine fern-like green needles (phylloclades) giving the plant an overall feathery appearance. The plant can also be established by transplanting of 10-12 week old seedlings or direct seeding. A fully-grown plant reaches about 5 feet in height. Young scaly edible spears emerge from the extensive matted root systems, which are ready for harvesting by early spring.

In general, 7 to 9 inch long young shoots harvested by either snapping or using a paring knife at the ground level. There is no need to cut asparagus shoots far below the soil with a knife. This may injure other erupting buds on the crown. The stump that is left in the soil after snapping dries up and disintegrates. Warm weather makes spears tips to open prematurely which reduces their flavour and quality. Asparagus is normally harvested once a year over an 8 to 10 week period.

White or blanched asparagus (spargel) spears are produced by covering erupting shoots with mound, depriving them of sunlight. This method, like in endive, makes the shoots turn white due to lack of photosynthesis. Blanched stems are preferred in Europe due to their delicate taste and pleasant flavour.

Health benefits

Asparagus is a very low calorie vegetable. 100 g fresh spears give only 20 calories. More calories will be burnt to digest than gained, the fact, which fits in to the category of low calorie or negative calorie vegetables.
In addition, the shoots have good levels of dietary fibre. Dietary fibre helps control constipation conditions, decrease bad, "LDL" cholesterol levels by binding to it in the intestines, and regulates blood sugar levels. In addition, high fibre diet helps prevent colon-rectal cancer risks by preventing toxic compounds in the food from absorption.

Its shoots have long been used in many traditional medicines to treat conditions like dropsy and irritable bowel syndrome.

Fresh asparagus spears are good source of anti-oxidants such as lutein, zeaxanthin, carotenes, and crypto-xanthins. Together, these flavonoid compounds help remove harmful oxidant free radicals from the body protect it from possible cancer, neuro-degenerative diseases, and viral infections.

Fresh asparagus are rich in folates. 100 g of spears provide about 54 mcg or 14% of RDA of folic acid. Folates are one of the important co-factors for DNA synthesis inside the cell. Scientific studies have shown that adequate consumption of folates in the diet during pre-conception period and during early pregnancy help prevent neural tube defects in the new-born baby.

The shoots are also rich in B-complex group of vitamins such as thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine), and pantothenic acid those are essential for optimum cellular enzymatic and metabolic functions.

Fresh asparagus also contains fair amounts of anti-oxidant vitamins such as vitamin-C, vitamin-A and vitamin-E. Regular consumption of foods rich in these vitamins helps body develop resistance against infectious agents and scavenge harmful, pro-inflammatory free radicals from the body.

Its shoots are also good source of vitamin K; provides about 35% of DRI. Vitamin K has potential role bone health by promoting osteotrophic (bone formation) activity. Adequate vitamin-K levels in the diet helps limiting neuronal damage in the brain; thus, has established role in the treatment of patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease.

Asparagus is good in minerals especially copper and iron. In addition, it has small amounts of some other essential minerals and electrolytes such as calcium, potassium, manganese, and phosphorus. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids that helps controlling heart rate and blood pressure by countering effects of sodium. Manganese is used by the body as a co-factor for the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase. Copper is required in the production of red blood cells. Iron is required for cellular respiration and red blood cell formation.

Homocysteine: An abundance of vitamin B in asparagus helps in maintaining healthy levels of homocysteine, which is produced in the blood when an amino acid (methionine) breaks down in the body. Vitamin B, especially folate, B6 and B12 are essential for converting homocysteine into cysteine, which then gets converted back to methionine as per the normal methylation cycle. Deficiency of vitamin B in the body can elevate the levels of homocysteine in the blood. Raised levels of homocysteine can pose a threat of serious ailments like the damage of blood vessels, venous thrombosis in which clotting of blood happens in the veins, and atherosclerosis, which can all further lead to cardiac disorders. In addition to this, vitamin B is also responsible for the metabolism of starches and sugars in the body and therefore helps in maintaining healthy levels of blood sugar.

Pregnancy: The high folate content in asparagus aids in reducing the danger of low birth weight and birth defects during pregnancy. Folate is essential for the neuronal growth of the fetus. It also helps in reducing the complication of edema or retention of water in the body tissues owing to its diuretic effect.

PMS: An asparagus extract can be used effectively for easing pre-menstrual bloating. The presence of essential nutrients helps to combat depression and fatigue, as well as reduce menstrual cramps. Asparagus also helps in controlling blood loss and maintaining hormonal balance during menstruation.

Fertility: The root of asparagus racemosus is widely appreciated in Ayurvedic therapy and is famously known as shatavari, which means ‘one who has 100 husbands’. Shatavari has aphrodisiac properties and is used to regulate the hormones and cure male and female sexual disorders. It has anti-anxiety properties and helps in curing physical and mental debility in males. It also helps in enhancing the libido and boosts sperm count and its motility. In females, asparagus has been proven to be effective in menopausal syndrome and anaemia. Shatavari has been trusted as a galactogogue and is also valued for its effectiveness in improving the quality and quantity of the breast milk, while boosting the appetite of nursing women. Research studies conducted on animals have demonstrated positive effects on the genitals and the mammary glands of the subject females who consumed adequate amounts of asparagus.

Digestive Health: Asparagus contains significant quantities of the nutrient inulin. Inulin is a kind of complex carbohydrate that is commonly known as prebiotic. It does not get digested until it reaches the large intestine, where it is fed upon by a kind of good bacteria like Lactobacilli. This aids in the improved absorption of nutrients and the reduced risk of stomach cancer and allergies.

Asparagus is also a good provider of dietary fibre and has laxative properties that help in the smooth functioning of the bowels, keeping bloating and constipation at bay. Along with healthy digestion, fibre also helps in lowering the cholesterol levels of the body. Asparagus is widely recommended in Ayurvedic therapy for its effectiveness in curing diarrhoea, dysentery, and dyspepsia, which is a feeling of abdominal uneasiness including burning sensations or navel pain occurring during or after eating. Studies have shown that asparagus racemosus has been proven to be just as effective as the commercially available modern drugs in treating dyspepsia.

Anti-Tumour Properties: Asparagus racemosus, or wild asparagus, contains a certain variety of phytonutrients known as saponins. Studies have demonstrated that the saponins obtained from asparagus possess anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties.

Along with the chemo-preventive efficiency, asparagus also helps in elevating the levels of glutathione, an antioxidant and a detoxifying compound which plays a major role in aging and helps in the prevention of many diseases like HIV, AIDS, cystic fibrosis, Alzheimer’s disease, anaemia, cancer, diabetes, and various cardiac disorders.

Diabetes: The anti-inflammatory nutrients present in asparagus help in reducing the risk of chronic health ailments, including type 2 diabetes. This beneficial effect is also attributed to the presence of the mineral chromium, which plays a vital role in regulating the blood sugar levels of the body. Studies conducted in this regard have shown significant results and have proven that asparagus helps in keeping a check on blood sugar levels, improves insulin secretion, and provides an anti-diabetic effect.

Hangovers: Asparagus extract contains essential amino acids that may prove effective in curing hangovers. A hangover refers to the unpleasant physiological effect caused due to substantial consumption of alcoholic drinks. Its symptoms include anxiety, fatigue, stomach disorders like nausea, vomiting, and dehydration. Research studies have demonstrated that leaves and shoots of asparagus contain good amount of inorganic mineral content, which also aid in the protection of the liver cells from the toxic effects of alcohol.

Cataracts: Asparagus is a source of vitamin A, which is essential for good vision. Due to the presence of antioxidants, it helps in defending the retina from the damage caused by the oxygen-free radicals. The presence of the amino acid glutathione in asparagus also helps in reducing the risk of eye ailments such as cataracts and night blindness.

Rheumatism: Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic condition that causes inflammation of the joints. Studies have shown that the consumption of folate-rich food like asparagus, which also possess anti-inflammatory properties, may help relieve the pain and ease the overall poor functioning in the body associated with arthritis.

Rutin: Asparagus is also a rich source of rutin, a flavonoid that possesses anti-inflammatory properties and is used to treat haemorrhoids and prevent the clotting of blood. It also enhances the permeability of capillaries, strengthens the blood vessels and protects them from becoming fragile. Rutin also prevents the hardening of arteries by reducing the viscosity of blood and helps in easing hypertension, reducing cholesterol, and maintaining cardiovascular health.

Tuberculosis: Asparagus racemosus is also known for its effectiveness in curing bronchitis and tuberculosis. It improves the efficiency of the functioning of lung tissues and helps in treating throat infections as well.

Neurodegenerative Diseases: Neurodegenerative diseases are genetic or periodic conditions affecting the neurons of the human brain. The body does not normally have the ability to replace the damaged neurons. Studies have provided evidence that asparagus racemosus is effective in treating neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s diseases. These beneficial effects are attributed to the presence of phytoestrogens in asparagus racemosus that have certain neuroprotective effects.

Anti-depressant drug: Scientific research has shown the efficacy of asparagus racemosus as an anti-anxiety and anti-depressant drug. It helps in enhancing the memory, increases the production and secretion of estragon, and has a revitalizing and calming effect on the nervous system.

Epilepsy: Epilepsy is a chronic disorder that affects the brain and leads to recurrent convulsions or seizures. The brain transmits abnormal signals as a result of irreversible changes in the brain tissues. The roots of asparagus racemosus can be used as an anti-epileptic and helps in curing the symptoms of epilepsy.

Urinary tract infections: Research studies show that asparagus racemosus possess anti-urolithiatic effect, which helps to cure urinary tract infections. Due to the vegetable’s diuretic properties, consumption of asparagus increases the frequency and volume of urination. This helps to detoxify and flush the toxic waste out of the body. According to the research, the anti urolithiatic effect can be attributed to the presence of antioxidants and essential vitamins C and E.

Asparagus is also known to give a peculiar, pungent smell to the urine, which is completely normal. This is because asparagus breaks down its constituents of ammonia and sulphur into volatile chemical compounds that actually help the body to detoxify.

Blood Cholesterol: Studies have supported the fact that the wealth of anti-oxidants in asparagus has the potential to treat oxidative stress, along with other disorders such as hyperlipidaemia and hypercholesterolemia. These diseases indicate the presence of high fat and cholesterol content in the body, which can further pose a major threat for fatal conditions like cardiovascular diseases and atherosclerosis.