Asparagus alert: Second most toxic plant revealed by experts
This is about one vegetable that has gained enormous recognition among consumers. It's a low-calorie vegetable rich in vitamins and minerals and has many health benefits. Nevertheless, it can also pose certain risks to our health.
5:38 PM EDT, June 7, 2024
Our country's season for this delicious vegetable is relatively short. It usually starts at the beginning of April and generally lasts until the end of June. This vegetablehighlymely liked and popular. Have you already guessed which vegetable it is?
Of course, we are talking about asparagus. Unfortunately, the latest news from the Botanical Garden in Hamburg suggests that many people will likely start to seriously consider the risks associated with consuming these vegetables. Asparagus came in second place in this year's competition for the most toxic plant.
Does this mean we should completely give up eating asparagus?
Can asparagus be poisonous?
In 2024, the Botanical Garden in Hamburg organized a unique competition to identify the most poisonous plants. The infamous first place in this competition was awarded to Wisteria. Interestingly, the second place went to asparagus! Does this mean these vegetables are genuinely toxic?
Asparagus can absorb harmful substances from the soil, including pesticides, chlorates, and heavy metals such as cadmium. Unfortunately, these compounds, in larger doses, can be very harmful to health and negatively affect the respiratory system, liver, and kidneys.
How to choose safe asparagus?
The best way to minimize the risk of asparagus poisoning is to choose them from trusted sources. Asparagus is best bought from local suppliers who use natural growing methods. Remember to buy asparagus from organic farming whenever possible.
Additionally, the best time to purchase asparagus is during the season, from the beginning of May to the end of June. Outside of this period, asparagus cultivation may be artificially modified.
It is also worth emphasizing that eating asparagus has many positive aspects. These vegetables are a source of many vitamins, such as A, B, C, E, and K, and minerals, such as magnesium, calcium, potassium, iron, sodium, phosphorus, and zinc. 100 grams of asparagus has only 20 calories. Moreover, thanks to its protein and dietary fiber content, asparagus is very filling.
Who should not consume asparagus?
People suffering from gout, also known as podagra, should avoid eating asparagus. These vegetables are also not recommended for individuals receiving treatment for kidney stones. Asparagus contains many purines, which, unfortunately, contribute to the accumulation of uric acid in the body.
Additionally, people with intestinal peristalsis problems should avoid eating asparagus. Consuming asparagus can cause an unpleasant feeling of bloating for such individuals.
