Project Description

Asparagus

Yep!  We have a whole day devoted to this elegant and delicate tasting vegetable!   And no wonder!  High in Vitamins, K, C, E, B and A, along with folate, potassium, phosphorus, folate, zinc, selenium, fiber, protein and anti-oxidants, asparagus is a nutrient-dense food, packed with antioxidants that has been used for medicinal purposes for several thousand years.

Asparagus is served around the world in many popular dishes, such as stir fries, frittatas, casseroles, pastas, even pizza.  And it is so tender and sweet that it can be eaten raw.  I like it in salads!

Asparagus is a tender Spring vegetable that is not as well-known as some of our more popular vegetables, such as broccoli and carrots.  However, asparagus has been gaining more and more recognition over the past few years, and no wonder!  Once you learn about all of the benefits and goodness of this spectacular vegetable, you will want to run to the store to get some for yourself!

There are three main types of asparagus:  green, white and purple-tipped.  Asparagus grown without sunlight prevents chlorophyll (green = chlorophyll) from forming,  thus creating white tips, which is more delicate and difficult to harvest.  Green asparagus has the greatest amount of antioxidants, and purple asparagus is high in anthocyanins.  Anthocyanins are a type of flavonoid found in blue, purple and red foods such as grapes and blueberries that provide antioxidants, anti-cancer and ant-inflammatory support.

Asparagus – the LOVE Vegetable!
Okay, okay, what is this all about?  What exactly does this mean, and why am I calling it the LOVE vegetable?

Simply put, asparagus has a long history of use as an aphrodisiac.  For centuries, asparagus has been used medicinally to improve libido and has been known throughout history as containing many nutrients needed to increase libido and fight infertility.  The Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians used this vegetable for these purposes and Ayurvedic medicine uses asparagus the same way.  In current times, now that scientists have discovered the nutrient make-up of asparagus, we can understand why cultures have used this vegetables as medicine for so long.  So read on…

Asparagus – LOVE Your Bones, LOVE Your Body!
The reason  I  call this the LOVE vegetable is that asparagus contains a wide range of nutrients and antioxidants that make you feel and look so good that you can’t help but love your body better!

Asparagus Benefits

Just some of the benefits of asparagus:

  • Excellent food to build strong bones!  Asparagus contains many of the much needed nutrients that build, support and nurture bones.  These nutrients include:  Vitamin K, B6, C, E, calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, copper,  as well as iron, which is a co-factor for enzymes involved in collagen synthesis involved in building bones.
  • Good for weight loss – high in nutrients, fiber, low in calories;  Eating nutrient-dense foods satisfies you because you are giving your body what it needs.  Fiber fills you up…not out.  You can eat A LOT of asparagus and lose weight!    I have been known to eat an entire bunch of steamed asparagus for my lunch.  I love it!
  • Natural diuretic – contains chemicals that promote the production of urine which helps fight bloating
  • Improves digestion – asparagus contains prebiotic compounds, such as inulin, which is a great food source for healthy bacteria
  • Promotes healthy pregnancy – folate helps prevent birth defects.  And iron works to prevent anemia, which is so common in pregnancy
  • Improves Energy – Rich in B Vitamins which are vital for restoring energy to cells
  • Fights cancers, especially prostate cancer in men.  Asparagus is rich in glutathione, the master antioxidant needed for a strong immune system to to prevent cancers such as prostate, bone, breast, lung and colon cancer.
  • Promotes Healthy Skin – many vitamins (C, E, A), beta-carotene, and polyphenols, work to protect against sun-damage

 

What is not to love about asparagus?  Okay, eating too much can cause your urine to smell.  But it is short-lived and the benefits definitely outweigh this risk.  Enjoy your asparagus and revel in strong bones and a strong body!  AND it just might improve your love life!

References
Antiradical capacity and polyphenol composition of asparagus spears varieties cultivated under different sunlight conditions – PubMed (nih.gov)
Anthocyanins Benefits and Food Sources (verywellhealth.com)
Asparagus benefits for men – Can it boost sperm count? (foodsanddiseases.com)
Asparagus Nutrition, Health Benefits, Risks and Recipes – Dr. Axe (draxe.com)