Asparagus – Best green vegetable full of antioxidantsReading time: 10 min

Asparagus is one of the favorite green vegetables for vegans and vegetarians.

They have become known throughout the world for their high fiber and antioxidant content. That’s where their popularity comes from. In addition, for being able to be added to numerous recipes.

Physical description

Most asparagus species are herbaceous plants and can grow upright or climb in specific areas. This plant has a wonderful bright green.

This plant possesses prominent asparagus spears that resemble ferns. These are produced from rhizome-like or occasionally tuberous roots.

Its color varies during the seasons. Its small flowers turn a greenish-yellow color in the spring followed by red berries in the fall.

These species are dioecious, which means that each one is male or female.

One of the characteristic features of this species is its cladodes. These are leaf-like structures found in the axils of actual leaves.

History and production

Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis) is a member of the asparagus family (Asparagaceae). This is one of the few monocotyledonous vegetables that exist.

Its green-colored branches are usually picked when they are about 7 or 9 inches long. There are also varieties with purple specks.

The British Isles, the Mediterranean region, part of Russia, and parts of Africa are the original country of asparagus. The first Romans, Greeks, and Egyptians were the ones who planted it and used it for food and medicine.

Early settlers introduced it to North America after it was first cultivated in England over 2,000 years ago. But it wasn’t until the 1850s that commercial growers began to grow asparagus widely.

In the US, most harvested asparagus is sold by produce stores. Michigan, California, New Jersey, and Washington are the US states that produce the most asparagus.

The US acreage today is less than a third of what it was 20 years ago. This is due to an increase in imports from Central and South America.

In general, all the species of this plant have many nutrients to contribute. This is what William Alcott confirms when he says:

Learn now about all the nutrients that asparagus has to offer.

Asparagus Nutrients 

Although asparagus has a modest amount of calories, it has a remarkable nutritional profile.

The following nutrients are found in just a half cup (90 grams) of cooked asparagus:

• 20 calories
• 2.2 grams of Protein
• 0.2 grams of Fat
• 1.8 grams of Fiber
• 12% of the RDI of Vitamin C
• 18% of the RDI of Vitamin A
• 57% of the RDI of Vitamin K
• 34% of the RDI of Folate
• 6% of the RDI of Potassium
• 5% of the RDI of Phosphorus
• 7% of the RDI of Vitamin E

Additionally, asparagus contains trace minerals such as iron, zinc, and riboflavin.

They are a fantastic source of vitamin K, which is necessary for blood clotting and healthy bones.

Additionally, asparagus is high in folate, a nutrient that is essential for a healthy pregnancy. Folate is essential for many bodily functions such as cell growth and DNA synthesis.

Asparagus’s vitamins and minerals make it a very nutritious vegetable. As a result, they provide the following benefits.

Asparagus Benefits: 

Antioxidant Source

Free radicals and oxidative stress can damage cells, but antioxidants can help protect them.

Asparagus is full of antioxidants and can help us fight against them.

Chronic inflammation, aging, and several diseases, including cancer, are influenced by oxidative stress.

As with other green vegetables, asparagus is high in antioxidants. But not just antioxidants; it’s packed with flavonoids and polyphenols, including vitamins E, C, and glutathione.

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The flavonoids quercetin, isorhamnetin, and kaempferol are also remarkably abundant in asparagus. These compounds help lower blood pressure and have anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anticancer properties.

Eating vegetables like asparagus and broccoli can provide our bodies with various antioxidants. Mangoes and kiwis are also high in antioxidants.

Including these foods in our diet will help us maintain excellent health.

Enhances Digestive Health

For a healthy digestive system, dietary fiber is crucial.

If we consume half a cup of asparagus, we will be providing our body with 1.8 grams of fiber. This equates to 7% of our daily needs.

A fiber-rich diet can help reduce the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes. In addition, insoluble fiber adds bulk to the stool and stimulates regular bowel movements.

It also contains a small amount of soluble fiber. This breaks down in water and freezes in the digestive tract to produce a gel-like material that feeds good bacteria. 

Asparagus is a great source to help meet our fiber demands and maintain a healthy digestive tract. That is why it should be included as part of a high-fiber diet.

Other high-fiber foods include broccoli, spinach, and persimmons. We can also include them in our day and thus play with the variety of vegetables and fruits.

Can Aid in Weight Loss

Asparagus has many qualities that can help us lose weight.

The first quality is that half a cup only has 20 calories. So eating a lot of asparagus is fine for people who need to do a caloric deficit.

Another quality is that 94% of its composition is water. Eating foods high in water and low in calories can help us lose weight.

The fiber that asparagus possesses also contributes to weight loss. It is well known that fiber helps with weight loss due to its satiating effect.

Aids in Blood Pressure Reduction

High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. It affects more and more people around the world.

One of the best ways to control high blood pressure is to consume more potassium and consume less salt.

Potassium lowers blood pressure in two ways: 

• By loosening the walls of the blood vessels.
• By removing excess salt during urination.

Asparagus represents a powerful source of potassium just like bananas. Consuming a serving of half a cup of this vegetable covers the 6% daily value of potassium required.

People who consume asparagus can achieve up to 17% lower blood pressure than those who do not consume it.

Increasing our intake of potassium-rich plants is a wonderful method of keeping our blood pressure in a healthy range.

Now that you know the main benefits of asparagus, you surely want to start eating it but…

Do you know how to add them to your meals?

Look at these fabulous recipes with asparagus.

Asparagus recipes

Are you looking for a way to cook asparagus? Here are some alternatives.

Asparagus for Carbonara

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Serves for: 4 people

Ingredients:

• 4 ounces of pancetta (cut into small dice)
• 2 large egg yolks (lightly beaten)
• 1 pound of thin asparagus (trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces)
• 1/2 tablespoon of unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons of Parmigiano-Reggiano (finely grated)
• 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper (freshly ground)
• Fine sea salt

Procedure:

1. Preheat a large skillet over moderately high heat.
2. Add the pancetta and cook, stirring periodically, for 3 to 5 minutes, or until crisp. Sufficient fat should be left in the pan.
3. Cook the asparagus for 2 to 4 minutes over moderately high heat, stirring occasionally. Add 2 tablespoons of water and continue stirring.
4. Take the pan off the heat for a moment and add the egg yolks and butter. Cook again and stir until the butter is melted.
5. Spoon the Parmigiano-Reggiano on top and season with salt and pepper.
6. Place on a plate and serve immediately with the pasta of your choice.

Asparagus Salad with Feta

Preparation time: 45 minutes

Serves for: 6 people

Ingredients:

• 1 pound medium green asparagus (trimmed)
• 1/2 cup of edamame (shelled)
• 1/2 cup peas (fresh or thawed frozen)
• 1 teaspoon of lemon zest (finely grated)
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 cups of pea shoots
• 2 teaspoons of thyme leaves (chopped)
• 1 and 1/2 tablespoons of  lemon (juice)
• 4 ounces of feta (crumbled)
• 1 small garlic clove (mashed until getting a paste)
• Fine sea salt
• Pepper

Procedure:

1. Place ice water in a medium container. Peel half of the asparagus into strips with a sharp vegetable peeler. Place the asparagus in the ice water. After an hour in the ice water, the asparagus should start to curl. Drain and dry with a soft towel.
2. The remaining asparagus, peas, and edamame should be blanched in a medium saucepan. For this use boiling salted water and leave the ingredients there for 3 minutes. Then place them directly in ice water to cool. After cooling, drain and dry. Blanch asparagus retains all its nutrients.
3. Mix the mayonnaise with lemon zest, lemon juice, thyme, and garlic. Add salt and pepper to taste. Toss gently with the asparagus ribbons, blanched greens, and pea sprouts.
4. Arrange salad on plates and sprinkle with feta before serving.

Glazed in Smoke Asparagus

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Serves for: 6 people

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of fresh asparagus 
• 2 and ½ tablespoons of lemon juice (fresh)
• ½ cup of mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon of paprika
• ½ cup of olive oil (extra-virgin)
• 1 and ½ teaspoons of cumin seeds
• 1 garlic clove (crushed)
• 2 and ½ teaspoons of kosher salt

Procedure:

1. Mix the mayonnaise, oil, lemon juice, garlic, paprika, salt, and cumin on a shallow plate. Add the asparagus and toss. Let stand for 30 minutes.
2. Grill the asparagus over moderately high heat. Turn them until tender and blistered in spots. Let rest and serve.

Adding asparagus to meals is an excellent option to add flavor and nutrients to our preparations. All species provide a special flavor.

This is what George W. Bush affirms when he says:

The German asparagus are fabulous.

George W. Bush

Eat Asparagus and nourish your body

If you didn’t know how to eat asparagus, you already learned some options. Prepare them as you like and accompany them with the trimming of your preference.

Do not forget that consuming them frequently will provide you with nutrients and many benefits.

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