To keep your body healthy, you always need a healthy food. But healthy food doesn’t mean that it should be just boiled leaves and tasteless dish. You can enjoy every type of dish but with a balance of ingredients in it. You have to try to avoid high cholesterol and calories, sugars and salts.
Asparagus is such a food which has many hidden benefits, we may not know. With countless health effects it can be added to almost any dish. Asparagus belongs to perennial flowering plants. It has needle like small leaves. It comes in a variety of colors from green to purple.
Below are the miraculous advantages of this GRASS.
Anti-Oxidant properties
Purple asparagus is full of anthocyanins, a chemical which give fruits and vegetables their red, blue and purple shades. Such plants have anti-oxidant properties and they have the ability to fight free radicals. After cooking, it induces cancer fighting properties but it should not be over-cooked.
Weight loss properties
Asparagus contains lot of soluble and insoluble fibers along with low fats and calories. You can add it to your diet, if you wish and trying to lose your weight. Fibers keeps you feel full for a long time. Furthermore, it also help you in constipation.
Excellent diuretic
This small plant contains excess of asparagines (Amino acid), which makes it an excellent diuretic. It can prevent urinary tract infections by removing extra fluid and salts from body.
Vitamin K
Asparagus is rich in Vitamin K. Vitamin K is very helpful in coagulation process, which help your body in blood clotting after any wound or injury. Along with calcium, Vitamin K is also good for your bones’ health.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E in Asparagus is another important antioxidant. Vitamin E boosts your immune system and protect your body from the disastrous effects of free radicals.
Boost your spirit
Researchers have found that people with depression have low levels of vitamin B12 and folate. Asparagus is rich in folate which is a vitamin B. it help in uplifting your spirit and freshens your mood. It also contains tryptophan (amino acid), which helps in improving mood.
Lowering your blood pressure
Along with other nutrients, Asparagus is rich in potassium. Researchers have said that potassium intake while reducing the use of salt, will lower high blood pressure.
Potassium is involved in lowering the blood pressure in two ways. Firstly, by relaxing the walls of blood vessels. Secondly, by excreting excess salt through urine. Half of cup provides 6% of potassium.
Asparagus can be eaten alone, in roasted form. But there are a variety of recipes in which asparagus could be added for more benefits. Below is a list of recipes in which have asparagus as a major ingredient.
- Sichuan-Style Asparagus and Tofu Salad
- Cheesy Grits With Spring Vegetables
- Simple Grilled Asparagus
- Sauteed Asparagus with Chorizo, Fried Eggs, and Smoked Paprika Aioli
- Asparagus and Sweet Pea Frittata With Minty Spring Salad
- Warm Farro Salad With Asparagus, Peas, and Feta
- Olive Oil-Fried Eggs With Asparagus
- Cheese Curd, Asparagus, and Prosciutto Pasta Salad
- Raw Asparagus Caesar Salad
- Pickled Asparagus
- Asparagus and Ramp Soup With Yogurt
- Fresh Herbs With Corn, Asparagus, and Chickpeas
- Braised Asparagus
- Grilled Asparagus, Zucchini, and Bread Salad With Olive-Caper Dressing
- Lemony Pasta With Asparagus and Bacon
- Spring Vegetable Risotto With Asparagus, Zucchini, Fava Beans, Snap Peas, and Morels
- Charred Asparagus Tacos With Creamy Adobo and Pickled Red Onions
- Asparagus and Goat Cheese Omelet
- Broiled Asparagus
- Gluten-Free Roasted Asparagus Tart
Although, Asparagus is a just a small plant but it has a lot of health benefits. It can be added to diet easily and also give your food a delicious touch. A very important and plus point about this flowering plant is, it is inexpensive and easily available. So, add it to your diet and get its benefits.