Ingredient Spotlight: Asparagus officinalis

Asparagus officinalis is in the family Asparagaceae and is a perennial herbaceous plant grown in Asia, India, Mongolia, Africa, N. and S. America, China, Korea, Australia, and other nations. It is a notable vegetable and its thickened young shoots (or spears) are the portions that are normally consumed. It has been used as a herbal remedy in Asian countries. It has also been cultivated and grown in ancient civilizations of the Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians.

We will explore the various nutritious properties of this delectable and ancient vegetable as follows:

• Asparagus is very rich in B vitamins, especially B6 and B12, which play an important role in the maintenance of healthy levels of homocysteine in our bodies. It is important to note that unhealthy levels of homocysteine can aggravate atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. Asparagus is also very rich in folate.

• Asparagus is also rich in dietary fiber, which plays a key role in gastrointestinal health and cholesterol regulation. Naturally-occurring Saponins in Asparagus may play a vital role in lipid regulation as shown in experimental models. These same agents may also have anti-fungal and anti-tumor effects.

• Asparagus is rich in vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. It also contains selenium, iron, calcium, zinc, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, and copper. These agents play a vital role in various metabolic pathways in our bodies.

• Asparagus is also rich in flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and other constituents which have properties that are anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-carcinogenic.

We have expounded on some of the properties of Asparagus, and as you may have noticed, this vegetable is loaded with agents that can help you stay healthy. As always, I advise you to make wise food choices, stay well connected with your physician, and live long and strong!