Asparagus

I've been getting a lot of positive feedback from starting this blog so I truly appreciate the love and support. My goal is to inspire people to want to eat better. This is not a diet blog, it's a lifestyle blog. When I see people sharing my posts and when I receive pictures of food prepared because of me and when I get phone calls requesting certain ingredients… all of it is motivation. Thank you guys so much for the love….keep it coming!

The most common request has been regarding my health benefit posts. A lot of people have been asking me about several different vegetables. I promise I have them all written down and I will please the masses! Today, we will focus on the the benefits of Asparagus.

http://www.squidoo.com/asparagus-season

Asparagus was never really my favorite vegetable as a child. We didn't eat it often, but when we did, my mom had her ways of making us clean our plates. Most of them were creative tricks only a mother could play on her innocent kids, but it got the job done. Now that I am having a constant love affair with food, Asparagus has worked its way off my hit list. I wasn't surprised by the benefits this veggie has to offer. Here are the most common ones:

1. Cancer Fighting: Asparagus is full of compounds that break down carcinogens and free radicals to help prevent the development of cancers such as breast, bone, colon, and other cancers.

2. Aging: According to research, asparagus contains high concentrations of antioxidants that protect the body against skin damaging free radicals, slowing the aging process and preventing brain function from declining

3. Natural Diuretic: This veggie helps release fluids that may be stored, which rids the body of excess salts. This is especially good for water retention in women during PMS, those with high blood pressure and those with heart-related issues.

(speaking of the heart…)

4. Heart and blood health: Asparagus contains a lot of soluble fiber, which has been proven to reduce the risk of heart disease. This soluble fiber and other nutrients also helps lower the risk of diabetes by enhancing the ability of insulin to transport glucose into the cells.

5. Digestion: Asparagus contains nutrients that play an essential role in digestive health…which can be a little messy if you aren't prepared because this veggie is a natural laxative. It also helps curb appetites.

Vision health, aphrodisiac, prevention of birth defects, and pain relief are amongst the many other things asparagus has to offer. I know some of you are wondering why it makes your urine smell a little…um pungent. There is a compound that when broken down, releases a sulfur containing chemical when you urinate. Don't panic, it's harmless. The funny thing is, not everyone is able to detect this scent. So if asparagus is for dinner, don't get caught sniffing around in the bathroom!


-Let's eAt!



Credit:
http://voxxi.com/2013/08/08/health-benefits-of-asparagus-weight-loss/
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=12
http://www.eatingwell.com/blogs/health_blog/5_powerful_health_benefits_of_asparagus_you_probably_didn_t_know