Here we are at the time of year when there are fresh fruits and veggies around. Did you know what is an excellent vegetable that many people ignore? Yes you guessed it- Asparagus.

Why should we eat it?

Asparagus is an excellent source of folic acid, a good source of vitamin C, thiamine, and B6. It is also high in rutin, a flavonoid which may have medicinal properties especially related to having an anti-inflammatory effect, strengthening of blood vessels and protection against oxidative damage.

Asparagus has Protodioscin

Protodioscin is a plant chemical found in asparagus that has been found to reduce bone loss, improve sexual desire, and possess cancer cell-killing ability  against a number of different forms of cancer.

Asparagus roots are used by Chinese herbalist to treat many ailments including arthritis and infertility. Historically, asparagus has been used to treat many problems involving swelling such as arthritis and rheumatism. It also is useful for PMS-related water retention.

I like to enjoy my asparagus steamed in a skillet with a chopped clove of garlic and a sprinkle of bread crumbs. My mom added eggs to this combination, and used it as a meal. We loved it as children.

Taken in part from: Grotto, D. ( 2011). 101 Foods that Could Save Your Life. New York, NY. Bantam Books