If you’re an asparagus lover, you’ll be excited to know it’s in season! During the Spring months, this delicious and versatile vegetable becomes more abundant.
This spear shaped vegetable is part of the lily family. While it’s most commonly green, there are also white and purple varieties. Fresh asparagus has a very mild flavour and can absorb stronger flavours, such as garlic or onion, making it a pleasant addition to any meal.
Asparagus contains many important nutrients and antioxidants which can benefit your health, such as:
- Vitamin A – supports your vision and immune system
- Vitamin C – promotes collagen formation and strengthens blood vessels
- Vitamin E – reduces oxidative stress and free radical damage
- Vitamin K – builds bones and promotes healthy blood clotting
- Folic acid – vital for blood cell formation and foetal development during pregnancy.
Some additional benefits include its diuretic effect and support for the digestive system. Asparagus is a natural diuretic that makes you empty your bladder more quickly. While this may not sound desirable, it helps to keep your urinary tract clean and rids your body of excess salts.
The high amount of insoluble fibre in asparagus also assists with digestion and moves cholesterol out of the body before it can be absorbed.
There are many ways to enjoy asparagus. It can be steamed, boiled, grilled, roasted or eaten raw. Just remember to snap off the ends so it’s not too chewy!
