Health Benefits of Asparagus and 10 Asparagus Recipes

Asparagus is one of my favorite low carb veggies. Here are just a few health benefits of asparagus, plus 10 delicious asparagus recipes.

Health Benefits of Asparagus

If you love asparagus, great news: asparagus is loaded with vitamins and minerals. Here are just a few of the many health benefits of asparagus ...

Asparagus is very nutrient dense. It is a great source of fiber, folate, and vitamins A, C, E and K. Asparagus is also a good source of the trace mineral chromium. Chromium is important because it helps insulin transport glucose from the bloodstream into cells.
This herbaceous plant—along with avocado, kale and Brussels sprouts—is a rich source of glutathione. Glutathione is a detoxifying compound that helps break down carcinogens and other harmful compounds like free radicals. This is why eating asparagus may help protect against and fight bone, breast, colon, larynx and lung cancers.
Asparagus is packed with antioxidants. It ranks among the top fruits and vegetables for its ability to neutralize cell-damaging free radicals. This, according to preliminary research, may help slow the aging process.
Another anti-aging property of this delicious spring veggie is that it may help our brains fight cognitive decline. Like leafy greens, asparagus delivers folate, which works with vitamin B12—found in fish, poultry, meat and dairy—to help prevent cognitive impairment. In a study from Tufts University, older adults with healthy levels of folate and B12 performed better on a test of response speed and mental flexibility. (If you’re 50-plus, be sure you’re getting enough B12: your ability to absorb it decreases with age.)
One more benefit of asparagus: It contains high levels of the amino acid asparagine, which serves as a natural diuretic. Increased urination not only releases fluid but helps rid the body of excess salts. This is especially beneficial for people who suffer from edema (an accumulation of fluids in the body's tissues) and those who have high blood pressure or other heart-related diseases.

Looking for low carb asparagus recipes?

Now that you know why asparagus is so good for you, here are some of my favorite low carb asparagus recipes. Asparagus is the perfect addition to every meal.