When it comes to spring meals, one of the things that comes to my mind is Asparagus!
Asparagus not only tastes delicious, but it’s also packed FULL of wonderful nutrients, for a healthy body and mind. Asparagus contains many anti-inflammatory nutrients, that fight against diseases. For instance arthritis, asthma, and autoimmune diseases!
Check out 9 healthy reasons why you should add Asparagus into your menu planning!
Asparagus is an Anti-Inflammatory:
which helps to fight off arthritis, asthma, and autoimmune diseases.
Asparagus is packed full of: Antioxidants
including vitamin C, vitamin A, zinc, manganese and selenium, the glutathione in asparagus fights against free radicals that cause aging and “cellular rust.”
Asparagus fights off: Cancer
with its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, asparagus is a robust fighter against bladder, breast, colon, lung, prostate, ovarian and other cancers.
Asparagus is great for: Heart Health
Folate, a B complex vitamin, is essential for a healthy cardiovascular system and is found in abundance in asparagus. B vitamins manage our blood sugar levels by effectively metabolizing sugars and starches.
Asparagus fights off: Birth Defects
Healthy servings of asparagus can prevent a folate-deficiency, which has been linked to birth defects such as spina bifida.
Asparagus is a: Diuretic
The amino acid asparagine, found in asparagus, is an effective diuretic and has been historically used to treat swelling, arthritis, rheumatism, and PMS-related water retention.
Asparagus is great for: Diet and Digestion
Asparagus, encourages the growth of two good bacterias that boost nutrient absorption, that lowers the risk of allergy and colon cancer, and helps prevent unfriendly bacteria from taking hold in our intestinal tract. Furthermore, one cup of asparagus contains over 11% of the RDA of dietary fiber and almost 10% of the RDA of protein. The healthy fiber and protein content of asparagus stabilizes our digestion, curbs overeating, maintains a low blood sugar and prevents constipation. And finally, one cup of asparagus also contains only 43 calories. :0)
Asparagus has a great source of: Vitamin K
Asparagus is an excellent source of vitamin K, which is necessary for the synthesis of osteocalcin, a protein that strengthens the composition of our bones. Furthermore, vitamin K prevents calcium build-up in our tissue that can lead to atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease and stroke.
Asparagus has a great source of: Vitamin C
Asparagus contains a healthy dose of the strong antioxidant vitamin C. Other health benefits associated with vitamin C are a lower blood pressure, healthy immune system, and resistance to age-related ocular diseases, such as cataracts and macular degeneration.
So what’s for dinner tonight? Possibly a serving {1 cup} of asparagus? ;0)
Below is a tasty, EASY recipe that has asparagus in it!
Source: www.GracedSimplicity.com
Course: Main Course
Cook Time: 45 Min
Total Time: 45 Min
Total Time: 45 Min
Serves: 10
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Swiss cheese
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 8 slices deli black ham (about 1/8 inch thick)
- 24 fresh asparagus spears cooked and drained
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 can cream of celery soup
– You have 6 ingredients in your Pantry. –
Directions
- Combine 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese and can of cream of celery soup with the cooked rice. Place 1/4 cup of rice mixture on top of 2 slices of thinly sliced black ham. Top with three asparagus spears; roll up. Place with seam side down in a greased 9-in. x 13-in. baking dish. Place kraft cheese slices over the bundles. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese salt & pepper.
- Bake, uncovered, at 350 for 25-30 minutes or until heated through. Yield: 10 servings.
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Information Gathered from: http://www.asparagushealthbenefits.com
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