Asparagus is a vegetable that has been in cultivation for millenia. The Greeks and Romans ate and enjoyed asparagus, and the vegetable has also been immortalized in the hieroglyphs of ancient Egypt. The portion of asparagus that is eaten is the immature shoot, which is often referred to as an ‘asparagus spear’ for its spear-like shape.
Counterintuitively, thin young asparagus spears are often tougher than larger, plumper ones. Select spears that are well filled-out; if the skin is wrinkled or concave, the asparagus has been on display too long and is beginning to dry out. White asparagus is just regular asparagus that has been shielded from sunlight.
Health Benefits of Asparagus
1 can detoxify our system
2 has anti-aging functions
3 is considered an aphrodisiac
4 can protect against cancer
5 reduces pain and inflammation
6 can prevent osteoporosis and osteoarthritis
7 reduces the risk of heart disease
8 can help prevent birth defects
While there is every kind of supplement on the market to address these health issues, too often Americans turn to pills as a main source of nutrition. Pills should only be used as a supplement and not in the place of whole foods. For example:folic acid is highly recommended in today’s diet especially for women who may become pregnant. However, folic acid is the supplemental form of folate. Folate is naturally found in asparagus. In the interest of good health, whole foods are always recommended before supplements.
