Asparagus has been used for centuries due to its medicinal properties and ritualistic purposes. Its usage can be traced back to Egypt, Syria and Spain. It was used in ancient Greece and Rome for its diuretic properties. Owing to its phosphorus content, asparagus was also considered an aphrodisiac in the ancient Greek and Roman civilizations. In fact, in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, asparagus was grown only for the nobility. It was in the eighteenth century, that the asparagus entered the local market for the common people to enjoy. One of the most nutritionally rich vegetables, asparagus is a rich source of vitamin B6, vitamin E, vitamin K, vitamin C, calcium, zinc and magnesium. It also contains proteins, beta-carotene, thiamine, folic acid, phosphorus, riboflavin, iron, potassium, copper and manganese. Asparagus makes a perfect component for salads, owing to its low calorie and sodium content. Typically eaten as an appetizer, asparagus can be also being eaten stir fried, grilled, or raw in salads. …show more content…
Read on to find the health benefits of asparagus. Cancer prevention Asparagus is a rich source of folate, which according to experts may reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer, colon cancer and oesophageal cancer. The presence of vitamin C and beta-carotene also aids in cancer protection. Other than folate, asparagus also contains glutathione. The detoxifying property of this compound is helpful in breaking down carcinogens. Asparagus also contains a carbohydrate called inulin. Inulin is not digested in the upper intestinal tract and helps in the better absorption of nutrients in the lower gastrointestinal tract, thus reducing the risk of colon