Seasonal Food: 3 Health Benefits Of Asparagus

1 min

Interested in expanding your knowledge on the latest in nutrition, healthful living and integrative medicine from internationally recognized experts including Andrew Weil, M.D.? Learn more about the 14th annual Nutrition Conference, Nutrition & Health: State of the Science and Clinical Applications.

A good source of vitamins K and C, potassium and folate, asparagus is a perennial with 20 edible varieties. A springtime favorite, it may help support heart health, healthy fluid balance and prevent birth defects. Asparagus is prized worldwide as a gourmet vegetable, yet it is easy to grow, fairly inexpensive to buy and simple to cook. Look for:

• Green asparagus – the most common variety.
• White asparagus – grown underground to inhibit its development of chlorophyll content, it has a more delicate flavor and texture.
• Purple asparagus – smaller than the green or white varieties, it has a fruitier flavor. Purple asparagus also provides additional benefits from phytonutrients called anthocyanins that give it its distinctive hue.

When selecting asparagus, look for stems that are thin and firm, with closed tips that are deep green or purple in color. When preparing to eat, an easy way to determine where to cut the ends of asparagus stems is to hold one stalk and snap it in two – wherever the break naturally occurs is your guideline for trimming the rest of the stalks.

Try the Asparagus, Arugula & Hazelnuts, Shaved Asparagus & Arugula Salad, and Brown Rice Soup with Asparagus recipes!

Today’s Health Topics

Editor's Pick

• Is Honey Healthier Than Sugar? 4 Sweeteners And What They Offer

Health Focus

• Supplements & Remedies

Ask Dr. Weil's Q&A

• What’s The Best Coq10?

Start Eating Anti-Inflammatory And Save 30%! A healthy lifestyle and following Dr. Weil's Anti-Inflammatory Diet can help reduce the risk of age-related concerns such as heart disease, Alzheimer's and many forms of cancer, as well as help promote a healthy immune system. Begin your 14-day free trial of Dr. Weil on Healthy Aging for access to anti-inflammatory shopping guides, eating tips, recipes, interactive tools, videos and more.