Those long bright green, sometimes white, stalks, called asparagus are vegetables many people neglect. Some have only had them boiled, like many cooks do with vegetables and in that way, they may be stringy and not so tasty, but roasted in olive oil or baked on a sheet in the oven, can help keep their brilliant color and enhance their delicious flavor. So if you haven’t tried asparagus since you were a kid, it’s time to try these yummy and healthy vegetables in a new way. They are also great roasted and on top of a salad.
There are many reasons to eat asparagus besides their delicious taste. These stalks are very good for the body and can add a new way of getting your “greens” into your diet. Here are 6 reasons to pick up that bundle of asparagus from your local market or farmer’s market and serve them to yourself and your family.
1.They are loaded with fiber and folate, along with vitamins A,C,E, and K. Asparagus are also great for pregnant women because of the amount of folate that assists in prevention of some birth defects.
2. Asparagus may help the body to fight certain cancers. These beautiful vegetables are packed with gluthethione which helps to detoxify and break down carcinogens like free radicals. These compounds can help prevent bone, breast, lung and larynx cancers.
3. Asparagus may also help to slow down the aging process because they are packed with antioxidants. Antioxidants may also assist in breaking down free radicals, the cause of certain cancers and other illnesses associated with aging.
4. The folate which works well with B12, also found in fish and poultry, can help to boost brain power which is also a help during the aging process when brain functions tend to slow down.
5. Asparagus is a natural diuretic that helps remove excess fluids and salt from the body, making us healthier and feel lighter and less bloated.
6. You can eat asparagus in a myriad of ways; raw, roasted, baked, dried, on salads, as a side dish, or in casseroles in place of broccoli or other greens. They are a highly versatile vegetable.
So the next time you consider passing asparagus by in the market, think about all the ways you can cook it and how many health benefits asparagus can add to your daily diet. You can cook them in so many ways, it is difficult to tire of these delightful stalks, that also come in white, which makes them a bit tougher and purple, which are sweeter in taste.
Source: Eating Well Magazine