The word asparagus is a Greek term meaning sprout or shoot. There are
over 400 species of Asparagus, but the green variety is the one most
commonly found in grocery stores. If you are lucky enough to find purple or
white asparagus, give them a try. Purple asparagus has a mildly sweet
flavor and white asparagus comes from the same plant as green asparagus
but it is deprived of light.
Why asparagus?
Asparagus is a natural diuretic because of the high levels of asparagine it
contains. Increased urination helps the body get rid of fluid and excess salts, which may be beneficial for individuals who have high blood pressure or other heart-related diseases.
Asparagus is also packed with nutrients. It is a very good source of fiber; folate; vitamins A, C, E, and K; as well as chromium, a trace mineral that enhances the ability of insulin to transport glucose from the bloodstream into cells. That's good news if you're watching your blood sugar.
Be careful
If you are taking blood-thinning medication, be sure to add asparagus to your diet in small amounts. Asparagus is a source of vitamin K, which can interact with Coumadin/Warfarin.
No matter what type you choose, asparagus is a tasty, versatile vegetable that can be cooked in a variety of ways or enjoyed raw in salads.
Try this great recipe from Lacey Baier at A Sweet Pee Chef: asweetpeachef.com/lemon-roasted-asparagus. Check out her other great recipes, too!