College of Ayurvedic Diet & Digestion

College of Ayurvedic Diet & Digestion

 

AYURVEDIC FOODS

Asparagus Benefits (According to Ayurveda)


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How Does This Ayurvedic Food Improve Wellness?

CLINICAL AYURVEDIC REVIEW

Recipes with Asparagus: Tofu Coconut Curry with Asparagus & Basil
Recipes with Asparagus: Tofu Coconut Curry with Asparagus & Basil
In early spring, your body starts to crave snappy and refreshing textures like fresh asparagus and bitter greens. As the heaviness of winter gives way to the lightening of springtime, you may crave fresh spring greens and simple foods. Is there any vegetable that trumpets the arrival of spring more than asparagus? The tender new shoots are full of phytonutrients and chlorophyll, restoring vitality after a long winter of heartier root vegetables lacking in freshness.

The first sign of asparagus at the farmers' market brings cheers of delight, as well as a competitive rush to bag the treasured stalks. It's a clear signal that spring has finally come. The bright green spears are an equal favorite at Passover and Easter tables, evoking memories of celebration and unfurling spring flowers. True asparagus fanatics far and wide can make a pilgrimage in late spring to Stockton, California for the annual Asparagus Festival. See you there!

Detoxifies Your Blood

Asparagus purifies your blood by sending toxins out through your urinary tract. You may notice that after eating asparagus you need to make an extra trip to the bathroom. On these trips, you might have noticed that asparagus even makes your pee smell funny. Asparagine, an aptly named substance in asparagus produces an acetone smell in the urine after eating. Asparagus' high content of saponins and potassium are responsible for its diuretic properties. Kapha constitutions will benefit from asparagus' drying effect, while it can be too drying for vata in large quantities. Dry, deficient vata should especially avoid asparagus during the dry months of August to October.

Reduces Puffiness in Your Skin

Are you waking up in the morning feeling puffy? Asparagus for dinner is like a facelift in the morning. This spring time vegetable directly helps your body remove water retention, relieving you from the discomfort of awaking in the morning with puffy eyes, hands and feet. It's diuretic action directly eliminates puffiness and water weight, while astringency serves to tone blood vessels and tighten the skin. Asparagus' blood purifying properties are useful for purging any remnants of spring congestion from the lymphatic system.

Soothes Inflammation

When you cook asparagus (even without adding oil) it becomes slightly slippery and slimy like licorice or oatmeal. This demulcent quality serves to coat and soothe mucus membranes of the digestive and urinary tracts, causing asparagus to act as a balm for inflammation. Its cold astringency adds to this soothing effect. If you notice a little burning sensation when you pee, have some asparagus and see what happens!

Your Spring Appetite

It's okay to eat lighter foods in early spring, as the body gets its energy by metabolizing the winter fats that kept you warm during long, cold months. If you observe the seasons in your diet, you will notice that springtime's harvest matches the desire for bright, light greens. Your body's craving for asparagus in early spring is an impulse that should be honored. Weekend warriors rejoice; the defiant, ambitious spears build your strength and inspire your vitality, while remaining very easy to digest.
Recipes with Asparagus: Cream of Asparagus Soup with Thyme & Mushrooms
Recipes with Asparagus: Cream of Asparagus Soup with Thyme & Mushrooms

Green, White and Purple Varietals

Be daring in your selection of asparagus. Green is where it begins, but you can also find white and purple varieties. Abundant green asparagus are rich in a variety of minerals and vitamins, namely potassium, calcium, vitamin C, vitamin B, folic acid, beta carotene. Equally nutrient rich purple varieties tend to be thicker and less stringy. When cooked they offer a slightly sweeter flavor with a hint of nuttiness. Appearing alien or albino, stark white asparagus have actually never seen the sun! These plants are covered with soil and kept from receiving sunlight. Therefore they lack chlorophyll and never turn green. They have somewhat less nutritional value than green and purple varieties because they are lacking phytonutrients called anthocynanins.

About Asparagus

Asparagus has a delicate flavor and texture making it an ideal vegetable for gourmet cuisine!

Buying & Preparation

Be daring in your selection of asparagus. Green is where it begins, but you can also find white and purple varieties. Abundant green asparagus are rich in a variety of minerals and vitamins, namely potassium, calcium, vitamin C, vitamin B, folic acid, beta carotene. Equally nutrient rich purple varieties tend to be thicker and less stringy. When cooked they offer a slightly sweeter flavor with a hint of nuttiness.

Appearing alien or albino, stark white asparagus have actually never seen the sun! These plants are covered with soil and kept from receiving sunlight. Therefore they lack chlorophyll and never turn green. They have somewhat less nutritional value than green and purple varieties because they are lacking phytonutrients called anthocynanins.

Asparagus tips rot may rot before the rest of the staulk. Always guage freshness of asparagus by looking at the tip first. Check for sliminess or bad smell.

Note: Wild asparagus grows in North America. For those of you extra interested in asparagus, see the book "Stalking the Wild Asparagus." The base of the asapargus is stringy and fibrous. Break off these woody tips with your hand. The asparagus will naturally break at the point where it's edible.

Cooking Asparagus

I love asparagus when it's crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside. I usually broil them with olive oil, salt, pepper, and thyme or rosemary. Other options grilling, sauteing, steaming, and frying. They are also lovely in soups!

Fast & Easy

Asparagus is an excellent treat for those on the go, since it is so easy and cooks quickly. "As quick as cooking asparagus," is an ancient Roman saying for something that can be done quickly. Take advantage of the ease of asparagus to ensure your body gets all the vegetables it needs each day.



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Is Asparagus Good for My Ayurvedic Diet?

Find out by taking this free, easy quiz. You'll learn your body type, and whether 'Asparagus' is a good fit. Complete the basic quiz in 1 minute, or go deeper with additional quizzes at your own leisure to learn more about your body.

AYURVEDA'S GUIDE TO VITALITY & WHOLESOME NOURISHMENT

Your Ayurvedic diet is tailored to your individual body and your specific imbalances. With an Ayurvedic diet you feel joy and satisfaction because what you are eating truly nourishes and balances you. Disease results from diets and lifestyles that are incompatible with your nature. By eating a personalized diet matched to your body, you experience optimal health. See How it Works.

Metabolic Nature of Asparagus

See a complete list of all biocharacteristics.

METABOLIC NATURE

Metabolic Nature

Ayurveda assesses metabolic imbalances through 20 main biocharacteristics (gunas). Aggravating them weakens your body and causes imbalance. By knowing which biocharacteristics are habitually imbalanced in your body, you will be able to identify and correct metabolic imbalances before you get sick. Every biocharacteristic has an opposite which balances it (i.e. hot balances cold). You restore balance by favoring diet and lifestyle choices that increase the opposite biocharacteristic.

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CLEAR

ABOUT CLEAR BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Clear refers to anything that cleanses or flushes out wastes, or that digests ama.

LEARN MORE ABOUT CLEAR

DRY

ABOUT DRY BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Dry is identified by lack of moisture, lack of fat, or anything that causes diuresis.

LEARN MORE ABOUT DRY

LIGHT

ABOUT LIGHT BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Lightness is identified by reduced weight.

LEARN MORE ABOUT LIGHT

LIQUEFIED

ABOUT LIQUEFIED BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Substances that thin fluids (lower viscosity of blood plasma). These may include blood thinners or mucolytic herbs.

LEARN MORE ABOUT LIQUEFIED

COLD

ABOUT COLD BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Cold refers to anything that reduces body temperature, metabolism, and blood flow.

LEARN MORE ABOUT COLD

TASTES

The 6 Tastes

Taste is used to sense the most basic properties and effects of food. Each taste has a specific medicinal effect on your body. Cravings for food with certain tastes indicate your body is craving specific medicinal results from food. Taste is experienced on the tongue and represents your body's reaction to foods. Sweet taste causes physical satisfaction and attraction whereas bitter taste causes discomfort and aversion. Kapha should use less sweet taste while Vata and Pitta would benefit from using more sweet taste. One of the first signs of illness is that your taste and appetite for food changes. The six tastes are sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter, and astringent. Do you crave foods with any of the tastes below?

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SWEET

ABOUT SWEET BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Sweet refers to anything builds tissue, including macronutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins and fats.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SWEET

ASTRINGENT

ABOUT ASTRINGENT BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Astringency is characterized by constriction, drawing together, or drying.

LEARN MORE ABOUT ASTRINGENT

DOSHAS

The Three Doshas / Body Types

Ayurveda is a metabolic theory of medicine that explains individual health, tendencies, and disease patterns through the concept of doshas, which can be understood as your metabolic patterns and tendencies.

Each dosha reflects a distinct metabolic nature and describes strengths & weaknesses in bodily function, and how these affect energy levels, digestion, susceptibility to disease, and many other tendencies.

Your metabolic nature not only affects your physical characteristics, but also influences your mental thought patterns, confidence, and enthusiasm.

Ayurveda balances these metabolic strengths & weaknesses to support your body's vitality and prevent recurrent disease cycles. This support is a critical aid, especially in chronic or incurable disease conditions.

The 3 metabolic body types (doshas), are Catabolic (Vata), Metabolic (Pitta), and Anabolic (Kapha).

Through dosha, Ayurveda empowers people to identify metabolic imbalances early, break repetitive patterns of disease, and cultivate habits that support long-term vitality and well-being.

Ultimately, these metabolic patterns also provide a framework for understanding yourself, including body, mind, and spiritual tendencies.

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PACIFIES
Kapha pacifying Pitta pacifying
AGGRAVATES
Vata aggravating

GREEK MEDICINE / TEMPERAMENTS

The Four Temperaments / Humors

Ayurveda & Greek Medicine were the dominant form of medicine along the Silk Road from England to China and South Asia. They work by assessing your metabolic type, patterns, and nature. Greek medicine recognizes 4 metabolic temperaments, Melancholic, Choleric, Sanguine, and Phlegmatic.

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PACIFIES
CHOLERIC

ABOUT CHOLERIC BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Has a hot and dry metabolic nature. Enthusiastic, vibrant and bright. In excess burns up fluids and ojas, irritable. Corresponds to high bilirubin in the blood that irritates and heats up the body and liver.

LEARN MORE ABOUT CHOLERIC

PHLEGMATIC

ABOUT PHLEGMATIC BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Wet & cold. When out of balance becomes congested, stagnant, and overweight. Loving, trusting, and patient.

LEARN MORE ABOUT PHLEGMATIC

SANGUINE

ABOUT SANGUINE BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Hot and oily with a moderate metabolism and a well nourished body. Vigorous, vivacious, outgoing and generous, and prone to impulsivity and self indulgence. Bullish and intense when out of balance.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SANGUINE

AGGRAVATES
MELANCHOLIC

ABOUT MELANCHOLIC BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Cold and dry with a slow, variable or erratic metabolism. Colicky, tense. Withdrawn, pensive, anxious, and hesitant. Analytical, intelligent, detail oriented and creative. Prone to ojas depletion, dehydration, an overactive nervous system, and depression.

LEARN MORE ABOUT MELANCHOLIC

Other

Bland Negative Calorie,
Crunchy

CRUNCHY

Makes an audible noise when you eat them. Can provide fun texture variation.

SEE ALL 'CRUNCHY' FOODS / HERBS

Downward

DOWNWARD

Downward-moving (Adho Gati Marga) substances move food downward in the GI tract, settle the nervous system, and relax muscles.

SEE ALL 'DOWNWARD' FOODS / HERBS

Red Blood

RED-BLOOD

Red blood (Rakta Dhatu) includes red blood cells and blood vessels.

SEE ALL 'RED-BLOOD' FOODS / HERBS

Medicinal Benefits, Uses & Herbal Actions of Asparagus
Experiences are Personal
Experiences vary according to the person and constitution. Individual results may vary. The list of herbal-actions below has not be approved by the FDA and should not be used to treat a medical condition.

(see all)
Appetite Suppressant

APPETITE-SUPPRESSANT

Suppresses hunger without causing weight gain.

SEE ALL 'APPETITE-SUPPRESSANT' FOODS / HERBS

Internal Detoxicant

INTERNAL-DETOXICANT

Liquefies, dissolves, decongests or dislodges internal stagnant toxins. Decongests the lymphatic system.

SEE ALL 'INTERNAL-DETOXICANT' FOODS / HERBS

Satisfies Stomach

MILD SATISFIES-STOMACH

Provides a sense of gratification and fullness in the stomach.

SEE ALL 'SATISFIES-STOMACH' FOODS / HERBS

Refreshes Skin

REFRESHES-SKIN

Flushes the lymphatic system to cool, awaken, and revive the skin.

SEE ALL 'REFRESHES-SKIN' FOODS / HERBS

,
Demulcent

DEMULCENT

Herbs that coat or form a soothing film over a mucous membrane, relieving minor pain and inflammation of the membrane.

SEE ALL 'DEMULCENT' FOODS / HERBS

Hypotensive

HYPOTENSIVE

An herb that lowers blood pressure.

SEE ALL 'HYPOTENSIVE' FOODS / HERBS

Diuretic

DIURETIC

Herbs that promote urine formation, thereby flushing the kidneys and urinary tract while eliminating any excess water retention. As diuretics reduce water retention, they are often used to reduce blood pressure.

SEE ALL 'DIURETIC' FOODS / HERBS

,
Urinary Tonic

URINARY-TONIC

An herb that tonifies and strengthens the urinary system. These can be helpful for urinary incontinence or improving function after a urinary tract infection. They can also strengthen the bladder to ward off a urinary tract infection.

SEE ALL 'URINARY-TONIC' FOODS / HERBS

Other:
Constituents:
Rutin

STRONG RUTIN

Rutin is a flavonoid with anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Commonly used to treat conditions such as varicose veins, hemorrhoids, and high blood pressure.

SEE ALL 'RUTIN' FOODS / HERBS

, Folate, Potassium,
Saponins

SAPONINS

Can be used to make soap. Saponins stimulate mucus membrane secretion, liquefying mucus for easy removal (expectorant).

SEE ALL 'SAPONINS' FOODS / HERBS

, Vitamin C, Vitamin K

Foods with a Similar Nature to Asparagus

  • Barley

    Barley has these Actions in Common

    Demulcent, Satisfies-stomach, Diuretic, Appetite-suppressant, Internal-detoxicant

    LEARN MORE

  • Stinging Nettles

    Stinging Nettles has these Actions in Common

    Diuretic, Urinary-tonic, Internal-detoxicant, Appetite-suppressant, Satisfies-stomach

    LEARN MORE

  • Avocado

    Avocado has these Actions in Common

    Refreshes-skin, Demulcent, Satisfies-stomach, Diuretic

    LEARN MORE

  • Alfalfa Sprouts

    Alfalfa Sprouts has these Actions in Common

    Diuretic, Internal-detoxicant, Appetite-suppressant, Urinary-tonic

    LEARN MORE

  • Chickweed

    Chickweed has these Actions in Common

    Appetite-suppressant, Internal-detoxicant, Demulcent, Diuretic

    LEARN MORE

  • Amaranth

    Amaranth has these Actions in Common

    Diuretic, Appetite-suppressant, Satisfies-stomach, Demulcent

    LEARN MORE

  • Popped Amaranth

    Popped Amaranth has these Actions in Common

    Appetite-suppressant, Satisfies-stomach, Demulcent, Diuretic

    LEARN MORE

  • Aloe Vera Juice / Gel

    Aloe Vera Juice / Gel has these Actions in Common

    Internal-detoxicant, Appetite-suppressant, Refreshes-skin, Demulcent

    LEARN MORE

  • Sorghum Flour

    Sorghum Flour has these Actions in Common

    Diuretic, Hypotensive, Demulcent, Satisfies-stomach

    LEARN MORE

  • Cinnamon

    Cinnamon has these Actions in Common

    Diuretic, Hypotensive, Demulcent, Internal-detoxicant

    LEARN MORE

Herbs & Supplements with a Similar Nature to Asparagus

  • Punarnavadi Guggulu Tablets

    Punarnavadi Guggulu Tablets has these Actions in Common

    Diuretic, Hypotensive, Internal-detoxicant, Urinary-tonic, Demulcent

    LEARN MORE

  • Cornsilk

    Cornsilk has these Actions in Common

    Hypotensive, Internal-detoxicant, Urinary-tonic, Demulcent, Diuretic

    LEARN MORE

  • Gokshura

    Gokshura has these Actions in Common

    Demulcent, Diuretic, Hypotensive, Internal-detoxicant, Urinary-tonic

    LEARN MORE

  • Horsetail

    Horsetail has these Actions in Common

    Diuretic, Internal-detoxicant, Urinary-tonic, Demulcent

    LEARN MORE

  • Vidari

    Vidari has these Actions in Common

    Demulcent, Diuretic, Hypotensive, Urinary-tonic

    LEARN MORE

  • Punarnava

    Punarnava has these Actions in Common

    Internal-detoxicant, Urinary-tonic, Diuretic, Hypotensive

    LEARN MORE

  • Asparagus root

    Asparagus root has these Actions in Common

    Demulcent, Diuretic, Internal-detoxicant

    LEARN MORE

  • Cleavers

    Cleavers has these Actions in Common

    Demulcent, Diuretic, Internal-detoxicant

    LEARN MORE

  • Partridge Berry

    Partridge Berry has these Actions in Common

    Demulcent, Diuretic, Urinary-tonic

    LEARN MORE

  • Chandraprabha Vati

    Chandraprabha Vati has these Actions in Common

    Urinary-tonic, Diuretic, Internal-detoxicant

    LEARN MORE

  • Anantamul

    Anantamul has these Actions in Common

    Diuretic, Internal-detoxicant, Urinary-tonic

    LEARN MORE


Joyful Belly is a recognized college of biocharacteristics medicine.

TRADITIONALLY INDICATED FOR
THESE SYMPTOMS

Asparagus may be beneficial for these symptoms. The suitability of any food for a condition is highly dependent on the individual. Please see your doctor before using this food to treat a medical condition.

CONTRAINDICATED FOR
THESE SYMPTOMS

Asparagus may be harmful or contraindicated for these symptoms. Note this is not a complete list of all possible contraindications. Please see your doctor before using this food to treat a medical condition.

Herb Drug Interaction Risk

Here are some potential herb drug interactions with Asparagus. Please see your health care provider for more information.

View other ingredients
for Summer

Asparagus is recommended for Summer. Check out these other Summer foods here.
VIEW ALL SUMMER FOODS MORE FOODS FOR PITTA / KAPHA MAIN INGREDIENT PAGE

HOW DOES EATING AYURVEDICALLY MAKE YOU FEEL?

Eating Ayurvedically makes you feel nourished and energized. Food digests with ease when right for your body type (dosha). Healthy digestion is seen as the cornerstone of well-being in Ayurveda. Healthy digestion generally prevents illness. If you do get sick, a strong digestive fire reduces the severity of illness and increases your resilience. It also improves your mood. Once you begin eating Ayurvedically, you will feel refreshed, vital and strong.
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About the Author

John Immel, the founder of Joyful Belly, teaches people how to have a healthy diet and lifestyle with Ayurveda. His approach to Ayurveda is clinical, yet exudes an ease which many find enjoyable and insightful. John also directs the Joyful Belly College of Ayurveda, offering professional clinical training in Ayurveda for over 15 years.

John's hobbies & specialties include advanced digestive disorders, medieval Catholic philosophy, & botany. He holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Harvard University. His wife and family of 7 kids live in Asheville, NC.

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Comments & Impressions of 'Asparagus'

Do you like 'asparagus'? Why or why not? What makes it unique? Is there something else you'd like to know about 'asparagus'?

(5.00 out of 5 stars) 1 rating, 506 likes
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Jess Allen park, MI
2014-05-28
“I have a question regarding "FODMAPS" (Fermentable Oligo-Di-Monosaccharides and Polyols), since asparagus is supposed to be included in this list: Are vatas the most prone to having issues with these food substances? Thanks!"
Kimberly Kubicke Asbury park, NJ
2016-08-05
“It's aggravating to Vata because it's a diuretic and Vata already tends toward dryness."
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