Asparagus extracts may improve sleep quality, study suggests

A systematic review published in the British Journal of Nutrition suggests that asparagus extracts may improve sleep quality, anxiety levels, and certain cognitive functions.

Researchers from the University of Reading and the Japanese company Amino Up analyzed 5,927 publications, ultimately focusing on 16 studies involving 503 participants. These participants included a diverse range of individuals, from healthy young adults and shift workers to elderly people with dementia.

While ten of the sixteen studies investigated sleep, results were mixed; some participants reported better sleep quality, longer sleep durations, or more refreshing awakenings, but not all measured parameters improved in every study. Many studies utilized ETAS, a patented, enzyme-treated extract from asparagus stalks.

Experts advise caution regarding these findings, noting that the analyzed studies were generally small and short-term. Furthermore, the research focused on concentrated supplements and powders rather than the consumption of whole asparagus as a vegetable, meaning it is unclear if eating the vegetable provides similar benefits.