Susan Mills-Gray, Nutrition and Health Specialist, Cass County, University of Missouri Extension
Asparagus, in season in April and May, is a fat-free, low-sodium vegetable that provides lots of nutrients and only three calories per spear.
Nutrients found in asparagus include:
Folate – Reduces risk of heart disease, dementia and neural tube defects
Vitamins A and C – Reduce risk of heart disease and certain cancers, and protect eye and skin health
Vitamin K – Essential for bone formation and blood clotting
Potassium – Maintains healthy blood pressure
Rutin – Strengthens capillary walls
Inulin – A food source for the good bacteria in the large intestine
For tips on selecting, storing and preparing asparagus, including recipes, see the full version of this article at http://missourifamilies.org/features/nutritionarticles/nut131.htm
