Asparagus is known for its purifying power due to its diuretic and draining properties that help to eliminate excess toxins from the body. In addition, asparagus has a substance known as asparagine that helps to detoxify the body.
Asparagus is also rich in fibers that facilitate the functioning of the intestine and the elimination of feces, which also helps in the elimination of toxins and prevents intestinal diseases, such as hemorrhoids and cancer.
Main benefits of asparagus
Other important benefits of asparagus are:
- Help fight vesicle and kidney problems, as it has a diuretic action; Deflate the body, also due to being diuretic; Prevent cancer, as it has antioxidants such as 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, as it is rich in zinc and selenium.
Asparagus can be eaten naturally, but there are also preserved asparagus that are used, especially, as an accompaniment to simple or refined dishes, as they keep their low caloric content while enriching them with many minerals. Pickled asparagus should not be eaten by people with high blood pressure, as they usually contain a lot of salt.
Nutritional information
The following table provides the nutritional information for 100g of cooked asparagus:
| Nutrient | 100g of 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 asparagus nutrients even more, the best way to prepare it is steamed or sautéed in olive oil.
How to prepare asparagus
Asparagus can be prepared for use in puree, soups, salads or stews, for example. There are different recipes, so an example of a recipe for using asparagus is presented, as an accompaniment to meat or fish.
Almond asparagus recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of flaked almonds1 kg of washed and trimmed asparagus half a teaspoon of orange zest1 tablespoon of orange juice1 teaspoon of lemon juice2 tablespoons of olive oil and pepper to taste
Method of preparation:
Preheat the oven to 190 ºC. Toast the almonds in a pan before baking in the oven for 4 to 5 minutes or until golden brown. Cook the asparagus until crispy and tender, about 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer the hot asparagus to a bowl or roasting pan. Mix orange zest, orange juice, lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper by placing this mixture over the asparagus and finally placing the almonds.
See other diuretic foods that help purify the body: Diuretic foods.
Learn how to preserve and cook asparagus in the following video:
