On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the asparagus and bacon across from the article title. Asparagus is a genus of flowering plants in the family Asparagaceae, subfamily Asparagoideae.

It comprises up to 300 species. Many species, particularly from Africa, were once included in separate genera such as Protasparagus and Myrsiphyllum. However, partly in response to the implications of the discovery of new species, those genera have been reunited under Asparagus. The roots and stems are used in traditional Chinese and Korean medicine. The roots are used in Ayurvedic Medicine. The larvae of some Lepidoptera species have been recorded feeding on Asparagus. New Zealand National Pest Plant Accord since they are invasive plants.

Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. Asparagus densiflorus plant suitable for green roof”. The Status of Protasparagus and Myrsiphyllum in the Asparagaceae”. Anti-inflammatory effects of Asparagus cochinchinensis extract in acute and chronic cutaneous inflammation”. Biosecurity SA : Declared plants in South Australia 2014 Accessed 1 September 2014. World Checklist of Selected Plant Families”. Discover our full range of health benefit guides and find out more about the health credentials of other green vegetables.

Five asparagus spears or 80g of asparagus counts as one portion towards your five-a-day. Read our five-a-day infographic and discover cheap ways to reach your five-a-day. Encouragingly, research has shown that cooked asparagus may be useful in gastrointestinal conditions as it helps to regulate the digestive system, thereby reducing inflammation and promoting repair. The research even suggests that asparagus may help reduce damage to the liver caused by alcohol, although further research is needed. Folate is an essential nutrient during pregnancy because it is needed for foetal development and protects against neural tube defects including spina bifida. In addition to this, animal studies suggest that a natural compound in asparagus acts as an ACE inhibitor helping dilate blood vessels and lower blood pressure. It does this by preventing an enzyme in your body from producing angiotensin II, a substance that narrows blood vessels making your blood pressure higher.

Although this is a promising finding, the same effects have not, to date, been replicated in humans. Asparagus is high in purines, compounds that increase the body’s production of uric acid and may influence conditions like kidney stones and gout. Therefore, if you’ve been advised to reduce levels of purines in your diet, asparagus may not be appropriate for you. If you are not accustomed to fibre in your diet, eating a generous portion of asparagus in one sitting may result in bloating and wind. Some people also cite having smelly urine after consuming asparagus. This is because asparagus contains a compound called asparaguisic acid which is broken down into sulfur-containing compounds, which have a strong smell.