Asparagus, part of the lily family, is one of the first vegetables to emerge during the spring. The spears from this vegetable may seem aggressive, but their nutritional bundle make them very friendly. Packed with folate, Vitamin A, C and K, as well as glutathione, asparagus is sure to put you in a healthy feel-good mood.
- Folate – Asparagus contain the most folate of any vegetable. Folate helps to rid the body of homocysteine, which is associated with cardiovascular disease. It also aids in the production of neurotransmitters dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine. Healthy production and balance of these are crucial for good mood and mental health.
- Glutathione – A ‘natural anti-ager’, glutathione is an antioxidant that minimizes skin damage from UV rays, protects and repairs DNA, as well as promotes healthy cell replication.
- Vitamins A, C and K – Vision promoting vitamin A is also in abundance in asparagus. Vitamin C helps to maintain a healthy immune system. Vitamin K is involved in the blood clotting mechanism, and healthy levels of this vitamin have been shown to prevent heart disease.
Eat in season this week and add some asparagus to your diet! Shave the spears over a salad, or get outside and grill them with some other vegetables. No matter how you cook them, your mind and body will thank you for the extra nutritional punch.