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A new review of the literature suggests that asparagus extract may help sleep, mood, memory, and immunity, but studies are limited and partly funded by health food companies.
Some people don’t like asparagus, known for its earthy and slightly bitter flavor, but a growing body of research shows that this sometimes-disliked vegetable not only protects the immune system from attack, but also helps with sleep, improves memory, and improves mood.
The Daily Mail reports that in a new literature review of 16 studies, UK andJapan Researchers found that people who took supplements derived from asparagus slept more restfully, felt less anxious and were more focused.
For the literature review published by Cambridge University Press, researchers identified 16 studies involving a total of 503 participants that assessed the effects of asparagus supplements. Participants ranged in age from 20 to 87 and included college students, taxi drivers, shift workers, and elderly people with dementia.
Ten of the reviewed studies looked at sleep, and researchers found that asparagus supplements were associated with better sleep quality, longer sleep duration, and greater wakefulness. These benefits were especially important for people with insomnia and other sleep problems. For example, in a week-long study involving 18 men, those who took asparagus extract had fewer dreams and nightmares and woke up closer to their scheduled time.
Asparagus has also been linked to longer periods of deep sleep, which is an important sleep stage for the body to rebuild muscles and tissues and to clear the brain of waste products associated with dementia.
Although this literature review was small and focused on health foods, it provides evidence that nutrients in asparagus may be associated with better sleep and brain health. It’s also important to note that this study was partially funded by the health food company Amino Up, which may bias the results.
This versatile vegetable also contains antioxidants, which specifically protect the immune system from foreign invaders.influenza The season is upon us.
Other studies have also pointed to memory benefits of asparagus extract. A preliminary 2023 study of patients with mild to moderate dementia found that those who took asparagus extract had reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Asparagus is rich in folate, an essential nutrient that helps improve reaction time and prevent age-related cognitive decline. In addition, asparagus is rich in vitamin C, vitamin E and antioxidants called polyphenols, which can stimulate the activity of red blood cells and white blood cells. Increasing the activity of these cells can increase antibody production, thereby providing resistance to diseases such as influenza and the common cold.
Although you can easily increase your asparagus intake by eating healthier foods, experts recommend eating whole foods whenever possible to increase your intake of beneficial nutrients.
Summary FAQ
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Reports indicate that asparagus and its extracts may help improve sleep quality, reduce anxiety, improve concentration, and have positive effects on memory, mood, and the immune system.
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The review, published by Cambridge University Press, looked at 16 studies, involving a total of 503 participants aged 20 to 87 and spanning different ethnic groups.
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Although health food supplements are convenient, experts still recommend consuming asparagus from natural foods whenever possible, as you can get more complete nutrients at the same time and avoid bias concerns caused by research funding sources.
