Asparagus could be a powerful new weapon in the fight against diabetes.

Scientists found a regular intake kept blood sugar levels under control and boosted the body's production of insulin.

They injected rats with chemicals to induce a diabetic state. They treated half with an extract from the asparagus plant and the rest with anti-diabetic drug glibenclamide.

The researchers, from Karachi University in Pakistan, said: 'This study suggests asparagus extract exerts anti-diabetic effects."