Asparagus
The Chinese use this versatile vegetable in
cooking and the asparagus root as a herb to
treat a variety of ailments (incl. infertility
and arthritis). Western physicians have yet
to recognize asparagus as a cure, they do
acknowledge it is rich in vitamins
and minerals.
Good source of:
Folic acid (a part of the B-complex vitamins)-
10 spears of cooked asparagus contain 225
mcg of folate. Almost 50% of the adult RDA.
Vitamin
C – 10 spears contain 25mg of
vitamin C.
Other nutrients
Vitamin
E.
Beta-carotene.
Potassium.
Fibre.
Glutathione (an antioxidant).
Stalks are also high in antioxidants.
Benefits
• Mild laxative effect.
• Stimulates kidneys and works as
a mild diuretic. (Diuretic = promotes urination).
• Good source of antioxidant vitamins
(vitamin
C and vitamin
E) that are known to fight
cancer.
• Folate – important for expecting
mothers as it protects against neural tube
defects in babies.
• Low in calories (33 calories in
10 spears).
• Helps prevent water retenstion.
Caution
Asparagus has high contents of ‘purine’,
which should be avoided by people suffering
from gout.
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