Asparagus Benefits (Ayurveda Insights)

CONSTITUTIONAL MEDICINE INSIGHTS

In early spring, your body starts to crave snappy and refreshing textures like fresh asparagus and bitter greens. As the heaviness of winter gives way to the lightening of springtime, you may crave fresh spring greens and simple foods. Is there any vegetable that trumpets the arrival of spring more than asparagus? The tender new shoots are full of phytonutrients and chlorophyll, restoring vitality after a long winter of heartier root vegetables lacking in freshness.

The first sign of asparagus at the farmers' market brings cheers of delight, as well as a competitive rush to bag the treasured stalks. It's a clear signal that spring has finally come. The bright green spears are an equal favorite at Passover and Easter tables, evoking memories of celebration and unfurling spring flowers. True asparagus fanatics far and wide can make a pilgrimage in late spring to Stockton, California for the annual Asparagus Festival. See you there!

Detoxifies Your Blood

Asparagus purifies your blood by sending toxins out through your urinary tract. You may notice that after eating asparagus you need to make an extra trip to the bathroom. On these trips, you might have noticed that asparagus even makes your pee smell funny. Asparagine, an aptly named substance in asparagus produces an acetone smell in the urine after eating. Asparagus' high content of saponins and potassium are responsible for its diuretic properties. Kapha constitutions will benefit from asparagus' drying effect, while it can be too drying for vata in large quantities. Dry, deficient vata should especially avoid asparagus during the dry months of August to October.

Reduces Puffiness in Your Skin

Are you waking up in the morning feeling puffy? Asparagus for dinner is like a facelift in the morning. This spring time vegetable directly helps your body remove water retention, relieving you from the discomfort of awaking in the morning with puffy eyes, hands and feet. It's diuretic action directly eliminates puffiness and water weight, while astringency serves to tone blood vessels and tighten the skin. Asparagus' blood purifying properties are useful for purging any remnants of spring congestion from the lymphatic system.

Soothes Inflammation

When you cook asparagus (even without adding oil) it becomes slightly slippery and slimy like licorice or oatmeal. This demulcent quality serves to coat and soothe mucus membranes of the digestive and urinary tracts, causing asparagus to act as a balm for inflammation. Its cold astringency adds to this soothing effect. If you notice a little burning sensation when you pee, have some asparagus and see what happens!

Your Spring Appetite

It's okay to eat lighter foods in early spring, as the body gets its energy by metabolizing the winter fats that kept you warm during long, cold months. If you observe the seasons in your diet, you will notice that springtime's harvest matches the desire for bright, light greens. Your body's craving for asparagus in early spring is an impulse that should be honored. Weekend warriors rejoice; the defiant, ambitious spears build your strength and inspire your vitality, while remaining very easy to digest.

Green, White and Purple Varietals

Be daring in your selection of asparagus. Green is where it begins, but you can also find white and purple varieties. Abundant green asparagus are rich in a variety of minerals and vitamins, namely potassium, calcium, vitamin C, vitamin B, folic acid, beta carotene. Equally nutrient rich purple varieties tend to be thicker and less stringy. When cooked they offer a slightly sweeter flavor with a hint of nuttiness. Appearing alien or albino, stark white asparagus have actually never seen the sun! These plants are covered with soil and kept from receiving sunlight. Therefore they lack chlorophyll and never turn green. They have somewhat less nutritional value than green and purple varieties because they are lacking phytonutrients called anthocynanins.
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About Asparagus

Asparagus has a delicate flavor and texture making it an ideal vegetable for gourmet cuisine!

Cooking Asparagus

I love asparagus when it's crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside. I usually broil them with olive oil, salt, pepper, and thyme or rosemary. Other options grilling, sauteing, steaming, and frying. They are also lovely in soups!