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 large intestine
Asparagus is also known as a natural remedy that can help relieve indigestion and act as a mild laxative and sedative.
To learn more about the different types of asparagus and how to select, store and prepare it (including some recipes to try), see the full version of this article at http://missourifamilies.org/
