Decreased risk of birth defects
Folic acid is essential for pregnant women to
protect their infants against miscarriage and neural tube defects. Recent
research has also shown that a father's folate status before conception may be
just as important. In a study from McGill University, paternal folate
deficiency in mice was associated with a 30% higher number of various birth
defects than in offspring with no paternal folate deficiencies.
Lowered
risk of depression
Folate may help ward off depression by preventing an excess of homocysteine from forming in
the body, which can block blood and other nutrients from reaching the brain. Excess
homocysteine interferes with the production of the feel-good hormones serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, which regulate not only mood,
but sleep and appetite as well.
Maintaining
a healthy heart
Excess homocysteine levels are
also a marker for coronary
artery disease. People with above-normal
levels of homocysteine are 1.7 times more likely to develop heart disease and
2.5 times more likely to suffer a stroke.
Osteoporosis
prevention
Poor vitamin K intake is linked
with a high risk of bone fracture. Just one cup of asparagus provides 70% of your vitamin
K needs for the day. Consuming an adequate amount of vitamin K daily, improves
bone health by improving calcium absorption and reducing urinary excretion of calcium. The
iron in asparagus also plays a crucial role in maintaining the strength and
elasticity of bones and joints.
Cancer
prevention
Low levels of folate intake have
been shown to increase the risk of breast
cancer in women. Adequate intake of dietary folate (in food) has
also shown promise in protecting against colon, stomach, pancreatic and
cervical cancers.Although the mechanism of protection is currently
unknown, researchers believe that folate's protective effects have something to
do with its role in DNA and RNA production and the prevention of unwanted
mutations. There is no evidence that folate supplementation provides the same
anti-cancer benefits.
Digestion
Asparagus is high in both fiber
and water content, which helps to prevent constipation, maintain a healthy digestive tract and lower the risk
of colon
cancer. Adequate fiber promotes
regularity, which is crucial for the daily excretion of toxins through the bile
and stool. Recent studies have shown that dietary fiber may also play a role in
regulating the immune system and inflammation, consequently decreasing the risk of
inflammation-related conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes,
cancer and obesity.
Anti-aging benefits
The antioxidant glutathione is thought to slow the
aging process, according to a 1998
article in The Lancet journal. And the folate that asparagus provides works
with B12 to prevent cognitive decline. A Tufts University study found
that older adults with healthy levels of folate and B12 performed better during
a test of response
speed and mental flexibility than
those with lower levels of folate and B12.
Skin
Yet another amazing thing about the antioxidant
glutathione: it helps protect the skin from sun damage and pollution.
No comments:
Post a Comment