Food Focus: Asparagus
Asparagus not only tastes delicious, but is also a wonderful source of nutrients for a healthy body and mind. Asparagus contains many anti-inflammatory nutrients, such as asparagus saponins and the flavonoids quercetin, rutin, laempferol and isorhamnetin, which all help to combat arthritis, asthma, and utoimmune diseases.
Recipe of the Month: Roasted Asparagus
2 pounds fresh asparagus
Kosher salt, plus extra for sprinkling
Good olive oil
Freshly ground black pepper
DIRECTIONS:
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Break off the tough ends of the asparagus and, if they’re thick, peel them. Place the asparagus on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, then toss to coat the asparagus completely. Spread the asparagus in a single layer and sprinkle liberally with salt and pepper. Roast the asparagus for 25 minutes, until tender but still crisp.
Food Facts:
Antioxidants Contained in asparagus is Glutathione, that serves as a powerful oxidation-reduction agent in our bodies.
Anti-Aging Along with the antioxidants vitamin C, vitamin A (beta-carotene), zinc, manganese and selenium, the glutathione in asparagus fights against free radicals that cause aging and “cellular rust.”
Cancer asparagus is a robust fighter against bladder, breast, colon, lung, prostate, ovarian and other cancers.
Heart Health Folate, a B complex vitamin, is essential for a healthy cardiovascular system and is found in abundance in asparagus.
Birth Defects Folate is also essential for proper cellular division. Which helps to prevent birth defects such as spina bifida.
Diuretic The amino acid asparagine, found in asparagus, is an effective diuretic and has been historically used to treat swelling, arthritis, rheumatism, and PMS-related water retention.
Diet and Digestion Inulin, a carbohydrate in asparagus, encourages the growth of Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli.
Vitamin K Asparagus is an excellent source of vitamin K which is necessary for the synthesis of osteocalcin, a protein that strengthens the composition of our bones.
