Asparagus is known for its purifying power because of its diuretic and draining properties that help eliminate excess toxins from the body. In addition, asparagus has a substance known as asparagine helps to detoxify the body.
Asparagus is also rich in fiber that facilitates bowel function and elimination of feces, which also helps in eliminating toxins and prevents intestinal diseases such as hemorrhoids and cancer.
Main benefits of asparagus
Other important benefits of asparagus are:
- Help fight vesicles and kidneys problems by having diuretic action;
- Reduce the body, also due to being diuretic;
- Prevent cancer because it has antioxidants like vitamin A and E;
- Help fight rheumatoid arthritis because it is anti-inflammatory;
- Fight diabetes by facilitating the action of the hormone insulin;
- Prevent cardiovascular disease by helping to lower homocysteine levels;
- Strengthen the immune system by being rich in zinc and selenium.
Asparagus can be eaten in the natural, but there are also canned asparagus that are used, especially, as an accompaniment to simple or refined dishes, as they keep their low caloric content while at the same time enriching them with many minerals. Canned asparagus should not be consumed by those who have high blood pressure because they usually contain a lot of salt.
Nutritional information
The following table shows the nutritional information for 100g of cooked asparagus:
| Nutrient | 100g cooked asparagus |
| Energy | 24 kcal |
| Proteins | 2.6 g |
| Carbohydrates | 4.2 g |
| Fats | 0.3 g |
| Fibers | 2 g |
| Potassium | 160 mg |
| Selenium | 1.7 mcg |
| Vitamin A | 53.9 mcg |
| Folic acid | 146 mcg |
| Zinc | 0.4 mg |
To keep the asparagus nutrients still further, the best way to prepare it is steamed or fried in olive oil.
How to prepare asparagus
Asparagus can be prepared to use in mashed, soups, salads or stews, for example. There are different recipes, so if you present an example of recipe to use asparagus, such as accompanying meats or fish.
Almond Asparagus Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons chopped almonds
- 1 kg of washed and trimmed asparagus
- Half a teaspoon of orange zest
- 1 tablespoon orange juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method of preparation:
Preheat the oven to 190 ° C. Toast the almonds in a tray before going to the oven for 4 to 5 minutes or until golden. Cook the asparagus until crispy and tender, about 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer the hot asparagus to a bowl or baking dish. Mix the orange zest, orange juice, lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper, placing the mixture over the asparagus and finally placing the almonds.
See other diuretic foods that help to purify the body: Diuretic foods.
Learn how to save and cook asparagus in the following video:
