Asparagus is one of those veggies that can intimidate even the toughest of cooks. With its woody stems and pointy spears, it can be hard to know exactly how to prepare it. But eating asparagus isn’t just about making a yummy veggie side to your supper; asparagus is a super food, full of vitamins and minerals that are heart-healthy. We promise that you’ll be serving up some oven-roasted asparagus in no time!
Asparagus Helps Fight Cancer
Green asparagus has more glutathione—one of the most powerful cancer fighters—than any other fruit or vegetable.
Asparagus Promotes Heart Health
One serving provides more than half of the folic acid you need in a day. This nutrient is essential for a healthy heart, as well as preventing birth defects during pregnancy.
Asparagus Helps Curb Your Appetite
Asparagus is one of the most concentrated veggie sources of protein; 1 cup offers about 10% of your daily protein and fiber needs—a one-two punch that helps keep you full longer, so you eat less.
Asparagus Can Help You Stay Slim
With only 5 calories a spear, zero fat and cholesterol and almost no sodium, asparagus is a dieter’s dream.
Asparagus Can Keep You Younger — Sort Of
Asparagus helps your body absorb nutrients and slows down the aging process.
Eating asparagus (i.e. frozen or fresh) will help you reap some of these benefits. But if you opt to cook fresh asparagus, you’ll need to know how to choose it. Look for bunches with tightly-closed buds on top—that’s the sign of the freshest asparagus. And be sure to eat it right away, since the nutrients fade fast.