Ingredients: ASPARAGUS
ASPARAGUS
Asparagus has been considered a delicacy since ancient times. Its season is spring, and it belongs to the lily family. The spears we buy at the store are actually the shoots from an underground crown. It takes up to 3 years for crowns to develop enough to begin producing shoots, but once they do, they can produce for up to 20 years.
HISTORY
Asparagus has been prized as an epicurean delight and for its medicinal properties for almost 2000 years. Originating in the Eastern Mediterranean, it has become naturalized throughout much of the world. It was thought to be cultivated in ancient Egypt with varieties discovered in Northern and Southern Africa. Falling into relative obscurity in the Middle Ages, asparagus was "rediscovered" and popularized in the 18th century by Louis XIV. Today, asparagus is cultivated in most subtropical and temperate parts of the world with the majority of commercially available asparagus grown in the USA, Mexico, Peru, France, Spain and other Mediterranean countries.
HEALTH BENEFITS
Heart Health via Folate -- which is essential for a healthy cardiovascular system. Just one serving of asparagus supplies almost 66% of the daily recommended intake of folate.
Natural Diuretic -- Asparagus is a very good source of potassium and it's low in sodium. Its mineral profile gives asparagus a diuretic effect. Historically, it has been used to treat problems involving swelling, such as arthritis and rheumatism, and may also be useful for PMS-related water retention.
Healthy Gut Flora -- Contains inulin which promotes friendly bacteria in our large intestine, which in turn fights unhealthy bacteria.
Birth Defect Fighter -- If you're thinking about becoming pregnant or are in the early stages of pregnancy, make asparagus a frequent addition to your meals. Inadequate folate during pregnancy has been linked to several birth defects, including neural tube defects like spina bifida. Despite folate's wide availability in food (it's name comes from the Latin word folium, meaning "foliage," because it's found in green leafy vegetables), folate deficiency is the most common vitamin deficiency in the world.
NUTRIENTS
Excellent source of: vitamin K, folate, vitamin C, vitamin A
Very good source of: tryptophan, vitamin B1 (thiamin), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), manganese, dietary fiber,
vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), copper vitamin B3 (niacin), phosphorus, protein, potassium
Good source of: iron, zinc, magnesium, selenium and calcium
Source: The World's Healthiest Foods