Did you know that a serving of 7 spears (84g) of asparagus only has 15 calories? Not only is it low in calories, but it's also packed with nutrients that offer a variety of health benefits. So, if you're looking to add a nutritious vegetable to your diet, asparagus is an excellent choice!
Asparagus is a great source of vitamins A, C, E, and K, as well as fiber, folate, and chromium. These nutrients provide benefits such as improved digestion, increased immunity, and better absorption of nutrients.
In this article, we'll take a closer look at the health benefits of asparagus, how to cook it, ways to incorporate it into your meals, and more. Let's get started!
Health Benefits of Asparagus
Asparagus is a vegetable that offers a variety of health benefits. Here are some of the key benefits of eating asparagus: 1. Improved digestion: Asparagus is a good source of fiber, which helps to promote healthy digestion. 2. Increased immunity: Asparagus is rich in vitamins A, C, and E, which are all essential for a healthy immune system.
How to Cook Asparagus
Asparagus is a versatile vegetable that can be cooked in a variety of ways. Here are some popular methods for cooking asparagus: 1. Roasting: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Trim the woody ends of the asparagus and drizzle with olive oil. Roast in the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until tender. 2. Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Brush the asparagus spears with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side, or until charred and tender.
Ways to Incorporate Asparagus into Your Meals
Asparagus is a versatile vegetable that can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas for incorporating asparagus into your meals: 1. Roasted asparagus salad: Roast asparagus spears and serve with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette. 2. Sautéed asparagus with garlic: Sauté asparagus spears with garlic and olive oil for a simple and delicious side dish.
Frequently Asked Questions about Asparagus
Here are some common questions people have about asparagus: 1. What is the best way to store asparagus? Asparagus should be stored in the refrigerator in a plastic bag or wrapped in a damp paper towel. 2. What is the best season for asparagus? Asparagus is in season from late February to June in the United States.
Here is the nutritional information for a serving of 7 spears (84g) of asparagus: calories: 15 Fat: 0.2g
Delicious Asparagus Recipes to Try
Looking for some tasty asparagus recipes to try? Here are a few ideas to get you started: 1. Creamy asparagus soup: Cook asparagus in chicken broth and blend with heavy cream for a rich and creamy soup. 2. Grilled asparagus and prosciutto: Wrap asparagus spears with prosciutto and grill for a delicious appetizer.
How to Store Asparagus
Asparagus is best stored in the refrigerator in a plastic bag or wrapped in a damp paper towel. To keep asparagus fresh for longer, trim the woody ends and stand the spears upright in a container with an inch or two of water. Cover the container loosely with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator.
The Best Season for Asparagus
Asparagus is in season from late February to June in the United States. During this time, you can find fresh, locally grown asparagus at farmers' markets and grocery stores. If you're buying asparagus out of season, it may have been shipped from afar and may not be as fresh or flavorful as locally grown asparagus.
Asparagus as a Source of Fiber
Asparagus is a good source of fiber, which helps to promote healthy digestion. A serving of 7 spears (84g) of asparagus contains 2.9g of fiber, which is about 10% of your recommended daily intake.
Asparagus as a Good Source of Vitamins
Asparagus is rich in vitamins A, C, E, and K, which all provide different health benefits. Vitamin A helps to improve eye health and boost immunity, while vitamin C is essential for a healthy immune system and skin. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps to protect your cells from damage, and vitamin K is important for healthy bones and blood clotting.
5 FAQs About Asparagus Spears
1. Is asparagus low in calories?
Yes, asparagus is low in calories. In fact, one 84 gram serving of asparagus contains only 15 calories.
2. Is asparagus a good source of nutrition?
Yes, asparagus is a good source of nutrition. It is rich in vitamins and minerals such as vitamin K, folate, vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium.
3. How should I prepare asparagus?
Asparagus can be prepared in a variety of ways. It can be steamed, boiled, grilled, roasted, or sautéed. It can also be enjoyed raw in salads.
4. Does asparagus have any health benefits?
Yes, asparagus has many health benefits. It is known to have anti-inflammatory properties, may improve digestion, and may even help prevent certain types of cancer.
5. Can asparagus be eaten as part of a weight loss diet?
Yes, asparagus can be eaten as part of a weight loss diet. Its low calorie and high fiber content make it a great addition to any meal plan focused on weight loss.