Asparagus
The alkalinity and diuretic effect of asparagus juice helps relieve many ailments.
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Asparagus is a member of
the lily family which includes leeks, garlic and onions. It has a spear
top with bud-like, compact and pointed head.
Perhaps it may surprise
you that there are a few hundred varieties of asparagus but only a small
number is edible.
Although it's available
all year round, asparagus usually is most found and best in spring and is harvested
when it is about 6 to 8 inches tall.
The variety we eat is
usually green or greenish purple in color. There is also a white
variety which is grown underground to preserve its delicate flavor.
But these sunlight-deprived stalks also lack the goodness of
chlorophyll.
Asparagus is expensive
compared to other more common vegetables simply because it is harvested
by hand. |
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Nutritional Benefits
Asparagus is an alkaline food which is
rich in protein but low in calories and carbohydrates. It is an
excellent source of potassium, folic acid, vitamins A, C and K, and
traces of vitamin B complex.
A good source of dietary fiber,
asparagus is also rich in niacin, phosphorus and very low sodium. And
certainly most impressive is that it is one of those few vegetables that
actually has the calcium and magnesium in the ideal ratio of 2:1.
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Health Benefits
Asparagus has an abundance of an amino
acid called asparagine, that helps to cleanse the body of waste
material. As a result, some people pass out smelly urine after
eating asparagus. Don't worry if this happens to you. Just
be glad that your kidney is functioning as it should.
Asparagus is one of the few vegetables
that is highly dense in healthful nutrients that help many ailments.
Acidity, Blood:
The high alkalinity of this
wonder juice is effective in reducing the acidity of the blood and helps
cleanses the tissues and muscles of waste.
Arthritis and
Rheumatism: A unique
phytochemical in asparagus that produces anti-inflammatory effect helps
relieve arthritis and rheumatism.
Bowel
movement: Consume asparagus regularly for its mild
laxative effect and dietary fiber that provides for regular bowel
movement.
Cancer:
Asparagus is a prime source of anti-oxidant and glutathione that can
help prevent the dreaded cancer.
Cataracts:
The anti-oxidant and glutathione in asparagus prevents the progression
of cataracts and other eye problems.
Diabetes/Hypoglycemia:
The healthful minerals in asparagus juice make it an important diet for
people who are controlling their blood sugar levels. However, it
is not to be taken by people with advanced kidney diseases.
Diuretic:
Asparagus is a wonderfully diuretic vegetable and its efficacy is more
pronounced when it is taken in juice form.
Heart disease:
Drink a small amount of asparagus juice mixed with raw
honey three times a day daily to strengthen a weak or enlarged
heart.
Kidney:
The diuretic and alkaline properties of asparagus help prevent or
dissolve kidney stones. It helps break up oxalic acid crystals
formed in the kidney.
PMS symptoms:
The diuretic effect of asparagus juice helps relieve premenstrual
swelling and bloating. The magnesium in this wonder juice also
help relieve irritability, fatigue, depression, etc.
Pregnant
women: The high content of folic acid, calcium and
other minerals in asparagus are important in reducing the risk of birth
defects and low birth weight. The diuretic effect of the juice is
also a big help in reducing water retention in pregnant women.
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Consumption Tips
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When buying asparagus, choose
straight, firm stalks with tight tips. Always eat fresh
but if have to store, keep them dry and tightly-wrapped in a
plastic bag for up to three days in the refrigerator.
Eat asparagus for its dietary
fiber. But also make juice out of it, especially using the
tough stem ends. |
To make asparagus juice more palatable,
mix with raw honey. Alternatively, mix with other more palatable
juices from spinach, celery, tomato or even lemon juice.
When eating asparagus, always
lightly steam, rather than boil, to preserve the
sodium and other minerals from boiling away. Avoid cooking asparagus in iron pots as
the tannins in the asparagus can react with the iron and cause the
stalks to become discolored.
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