by Elise Marie

Created on: November 23, 2011   Last Updated: November 25, 2011

Asparagus either is one of those vegetables people like or strongly dislike. For those of you who do like asparagus that is a good thing because asparagus can provide the body with so powerful antioxidants that can help protect the body from diseases.

What is Asparagus? 

Asparagus is a vegetable that grows best in the springtime when there is plenty of rain and warm temperatures. This vegetable is long, green and skinny with a flowery like tip. It has a bittersweet leafy green flavor and scent to it that some people find pleasing. Home of Asparagus Asparagus originally grew in places like Europe and Africa, but now you can find it growing in places like North America, Australia and China. Asparagus grows nicely in deep rich soil beds and is usually ready to harvest within 2 to 3 years of planting the asparagus crowns into the ground. Once asparagus has mature and starts shooting up from the ground you will have to harvest it every day until it stops shooting up since asparagus grows rapidly. Now the best way to harvest asparagus is by cutting it below the soil using a pair of garden shears. Once the asparagus is harvested, it should be taken inside, rinsed down and placed in the refrigerator until it is ready to be used. Typically, asparagus stays fresh for up to a week in the refrigerator. Asparagus may also be frozen or canned to help preserve the vegetable longer. 

The Nutrients in Asparagus 

Phytonutrients 
Fiber 
Vitamins C, A, K, E and B complex 
Potassium 
Protein 
Magnesium 
Selenium 
Calcium 
Protein 
Phosphorus 
Copper 
Zinc 
Copper 
Manganese 
Iron 
Sodium 

Health Benefits of Asparagus 

Asparagus is definitely a vegetable you want to eat regularly to help prevent inflammation in the body naturally. Some of the inflammatory diseases asparagus can help treat naturally are Crohn's disease, arthritis, heart disease, asthma, gout and IBS. In addition, asparagus can help reduce aches and pains in the body since it acts as a natural pain reliever.

I personally eat asparagus with meals a few times per week to help prevent migraine headaches and inflammation in my lungs so I can be pain free and breathe easier. Eating asparagus a few times per week with a meal is also a great way to stay looking and feeling youthful. The nutrients in asparagus fights off free radical cells that cause aging, helps keep bones and teeth healthy and strong and skin glowing and

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