Asparagus

A springtime favorite, asparagus is delicious, healthful and easy to prepare. Just steam, boil or microwave until tender to enjoy sensational spears.

Asparagus is a member of the lily family and is related to onions, leeks and garlic. One serving of asparagus contains just 20 calories and is a good source of foliate and vitamin K. Just 5 stalks of asparagus provide healthy amounts of folic acid, vitamin C and disease-fighting antioxidants.

Tip for selecting:

Select spears that are straight, firm and similar in size to ensure that they cook evenly.

Tip for storing:

Refrigerate asparagus as soon as possible. Before refrigerating, wrap the lower ends of the stalks in a damp paper towel and place them in a plastic bag, or stand them upright in a bowl of water.

Nutritional benefits:

• Asparagus fights against cancer.
• Helps the heart and reduces the risk of heart diseases. Your heart will love Asparagus.
• Loaded with nutrients: Vitamin C, A, E, K, B complex, hromium, and fibers.
• Copper and iron: increases production of red blood cells.
• Antioxidant enzymes.
• A natural detoxifier.
• Has anti-aging properties.
• Fights depression and puts you in a good mood.
• Lowers bad cholesterol (LDL).
• Helps prevent multiple sclerosis.
• Great for kidneys. It helps cleanse the body and prevents kidney stones.
• Prevents bladder and urinary tract infections.
• Energizing and fights chronic fatigue syndrome.
• Naturally lowers blood pressure.
• Helps menstrual cramps.
• Helps to boost immunity.
• Considered a highly alkaline food.
• Stimulates hair production.
• Helps treat toothaches.
• Feeds the friendly bacteria that live in the large intestine and keeps the digestive system healthy.
• Considered to be a powerful aphrodisiac.

Asparagus is considered a diuretic due to it’s mineral profile combined with the amino acid asparagine. It has 289 milligrams of potassium per cup, 70% of your daily needs. Potassium helps control heart rate and blood pressure.

High in glutathione. Glutathione (GSH) is an amino-acid that works as an antioxidant protecting cells from toxins. 20% of your daily intake of vitamin A can be found in a single serving of Asparagus. Rich in vitamin K: promotes bone health limits neuronal damage in the brain thus preventing Alzheimer’s disease. Rich in B-complex vitamins.