"As quick as cooking asparagus" was an old Roman saying meaning something accomplished rapidly.
Asparagus History
A member of the lily family, asparagus, scientifically termed as Asparagus officinalis, comes from the Greek word asparagus. It’s native to the East Mediterranean area, cultivated form antiquity and now grown in much of the world. Asparagus cultivation began 2000 years ago in eastern Mediterranean region. Greeks and Romans ate it fresh when in season and dried the vegetable for use in winter. Roman emperors were so fond of asparagus, that they kept a special asparagus fleet for the purpose of fetching it.
The asparagus growing beds in Northern Italy were famous during the Renaissance period. These graceful spears have always been a sign of elegance, and in times past, were a delicacy only the wealthy could afford. Asparagus has been used as a vegetable and medicine, owing to its delicate flavor and diuretic properties. Julius Caesar first ate it in Lombardy and wanted it served with melted butter. And in the time of King Louis XIV asparagus was dubbed ‘The King of Vegetables’. King Louis XVI of France, who did indeed dress in silken splendor when he dined, was so in love with asparagus that his gardeners were instructed to grow it in hothouses for his year round pleasure.
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, vitamin C and vitamin 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 have the calcium and magnesium in the ideal ratio of 2:1.
Health Benefits
Asparagus, the king of vegetables, has loads of an amino acid called asparagines that helps to rinse 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 rich in potassium, vitamin A, folate and is also very high in glutathione - an amino acid compound with portent antioxidant properties; a must as an anti-aging deterrent. Glutathione (GSH) is an antioxidant that protects cells from toxins such as free radicals.
Also it helps menstrual cramps, is great for your gastrointestinal tract and your colon, is helps maintain antifungal and antiviral qualities, and also it fights with chronic and fatigue syndrome.
Asparagus is one of the few vegetables that are highly dense in healthful nutrients that help many ailments.
Acidity of Blood: The high alkalinity of this wonder vegetables’ juice is effective in reducing the acidity of the blood and helps purify the tissues and muscles of waste.
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 cancer.
Cataracts: Asparagus contains the anti-oxidant and glutathione which prevents the progression of cataracts and other eye problems.
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