Not only is asparagus a true sign that spring and summer have arrived, but it’s an absolutely delicious addition to any lunchtime of dinnertime meal – and it’s widely available at the moment in your local farmers’ market, supermarket or greengrocery too. So if you’re already on a healthy eating campaign to ensure you look and feel great this summer, or you’re keen to incorporate some delicious and nutritious foods into your diet, then asparagus absolutely has to be on your weekly menu.
Let’s take a closer look at the health benefits of eating asparagus:
1. Asparagus is full of important dietary fibre, which helps to fill you up as well as keeping you feeling fuller for longer. Foods high in dietary fibre are your best friends if you’re looking to lose weight as you’ll find there’s a dramatic reduction in your desire to reach for the snacks.
2. It may be small and lean, but each asparagus stem is packed with a whole array of essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients, which include folic acid, vitamins A, C, E and K, as well as copper, chromium and selenium. Furthermore, asparagus contains antioxidants, which can help in the anti-ageing fight by neutralising skin-damaging free radicals
3. Along with its cousins, kale, sprouts, and avocados, asparagus is a very good source of glutathione. A compound which detoxifies and helps to break down harmful carcinogens and free radicals, glutathione is proving an essential element in the fight, and protection, against certain cancers.
4. Asparagus contains no fat and is exceptionally low in calories, yet it’s high in taste. Furthermore, you don’t need to throw lots of seasoning, oil, butter or sauces on asparagus in order to enjoy it. One of the best ways to cook it is by simply steaming – which means all the taste and goodness is retained without the need for any additional calories.
5. It’s been proven that asparagus may boast heart-loving benefits. For a start, its high content of vitamin K plays a helping hand when it comes to blood clotting. Furthermore, asparagus is believed to contain anti-inflammatory properties which have been linked to a reduction in heart disease.
6. Eating asparagus regularly can help to regulate your blood sugar levels, which is another important factor to consider when it comes to weight loss. That’s because steady blood sugar levels mean you won’t experience the peaks and slumps of sugary highs and lows.
7. Asparagus acts as a natural diuretic (have you ever noticed the slightly strange smell when you urinate?!) It helps the body to flush out excess fluids, toxins and salts, which is especially helpful if you are prone to high blood pressure or water retention.
Good things come to those who exercise…