Whether or not asparagus have any effect on cholesterol?

Tag : asparagus
Asparagus root has a history of use treating rheumatism, neuritisand parasites, as well as diseases and conditions in the urinarysystem. Nutritionally, it contains high levels of chromium, crudefibre, niacin, phosphorus, potassium, riboflavin, thiamine, zincand vitamins A and C. It is high in flavonoids, including rutin,quercetin and kaempferol.
Two bitter compounds called officinalisins have also beenidentified in the root. These active ingredients would beresponsible for the cleansing affects of the herb, which isrecognized as detoxifying the liver, blood and kidneys. Thesecompounds are also the likely culprits of the infamous odourasparagus gives to urine.
Most of the research about this plant as an herb comes form Indiaand China, where it has a long history for a variety of differentconditions, including everything from a galactagouge (increasingproduction of breast milk) to an anti-inflammatory, to curingulcers. The Biosciences Department of the University of Indiaconducted a study last year involving asparagus root to determinewhether or not the plant had any effect on cholesterol. It turnsout that lipid levels did decrease, probably because the rootsupported the liver, increasing the amount of cholesterol that wasexcreted and promoting bile flow. (The study is published in fullincluding charts at Oxford Journal‘s website.)
This interesting vegetable is also considered an aphrodisiac. OK,so one look at it might tell you why someone would say that, butapparently there is more to the story! Both the Chinese andAryvedic medical traditions have a place for asparagus in relationto hormones and creating feelings of love. The root containscompounds called steroidal glycosides (asparagoside) that directlyaffect hormone production and may very well influence emotions.Some interesting studies have been done that show extracts fromasparagus root causing increased blood flow to the genitals inwomen and increased production of certain estrogens. The Aryvedicname for the plant is shatavari, meaning she who has one hundredhusbands! There is more evidence to support this claim when youconsider the positive affects the plant has on cholesterol andblood pressure. Suddenly eating your vegetables became a lot moreappealing, didn‘t it?
The root is sometimes used topically as a pain reliever in the formof a poultice or compress. This seems to be effective forarthritis, gout, rheumatism and stiffness of joints. Onecontraindication to be aware of: if there is edema and swelling inthe body due to problems with the heart or kidneys, this might notbe the best herb for you. If the kidneys are seriously inflamed,this could aggravate the problem because of increased urination. Ingeneral, though, the root is very good for both kidneys and heart– this is only a concern if you have a medical condition.
I‘ve said it before in regards to chocolate and coffee: Ilove it when I read reports that tell me foods I like are good forme! Now if only someone did some research proving that thehollandaise sauce I like to slather my asparagus in was good,I‘d have it made. If it happens, I‘ll let you know!
- Alexis Costello is a natural health consultant. She can bereached at the Okanagan Natural Care Centre,
250-763-2914. Her column appears each Friday in eVent.
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