 All You Ever Wanted to Know About Asparagus, Vegetables and Nutrition.
One could say asparagus is an international food. With its high tolerance for salt and its preference for sandy soils, wild asparagus grows in such diverse places as England, central Wisconsin, Russia, and Poland. Asparagus is depicted in ancient Egyptian writings. Asparagus has also been frown in Syria and Spain since ancient times.
Asparagus is a member of the Lily family.
Asparagus spears grow from a crown that is planted about a foot deep in sandy soils.
Under ideal conditions, an asparagus spear can grow 10" in a 24-hour period.
Asparagus is one of the most nutritionally well-balanced vegetables in existence. It leads nearly all produce items in the wide array of nutrients it supplies in significant amounts for a healthy diet. Asparagus, is one of natures most perfect foods.
Asparagus is:
- Low in calories, only 20 per 5.3 oz. serving, less than 4 calories per spear.
- Contains no fat or cholesterol.
- Very low in sodium.
- A good source of potassium.
- A good source of Vitamin K, which promotes bone health an helps prevent neuronal damage to the brain.
- A source of the important mineral manganese - it is used by the body as a co-factor for the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase or SOD consider to be the most important antioxidant in the body.
- A source of fiber (3 grams per 5.3 oz. serving).
- An excellent source of folacin.
- A significant source of thiamin.
- A significant source of vitamin B6.
- A very good source of folates or folic acid which is very valuable in preventing birth defects.
- One of the richest sources of rutin, an antioxidant which strengthens capillary walls.
- Also a valuable source of of the flavonoid antioxidants like zea-xanthin, lutein, carotenes, and crypto-xanthins. (These compunds are very valuable for the eyes)
- Contains glutathione (GSH). Glutathione (GSH) is one of the most potent anti carcinogens and antioxidants found within the body.
Asparagus should be eaten fresh as it will lose flavor. Store in plastic bags in the crisper section of your refrigerator.
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