Asparagus is a rich, earthy, and delicious veggie that brings a lot of benefit to a nutritious lunch. The flavor of asparagus is often described as green and earthy, similar to broccoli, but it can take on different flavor notes easily depending on how it’s prepared. A roasted asparagus may take on a richer flavor, while a light sauteed asparagus in lemon might be a little sweeter with a bit of tang. Regardless of how it’s prepared, this versatile vegetable is an easy way to do your body good. Some of the benefits of asparagus include:
- It has an impressive nutrient profile – Asparagus is not lacking in flavor and it’s not lacking in nutrients either. Some of the nutrients that can be found in asparagus include protein, fiber, Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin K, folate, potassium, phosphorus, and Vitamin E.
- It’s low in calories – While asparagus has fiber and protein to feel filling, you’re not overdoing your calories when you enjoy it. In a satisfying ½ cup portion of cooked asparagus you’ll find only 20 calories.
- Healthy source of antioxidants – We put our bodies through a lot simply going through everyday life. Oxidative stress and free radicals can contribute to aging, inflammation, and cell damage unless we have the antioxidants we need to protect those cells. Asparagus is full of a range of crucial antioxidants.
- Aids in healthy digestion – In just ½ cup of asparagus one can find around 1.8 grams of healthy fiber, or around 7% of the body’s daily need. Fiber rich vegetables like asparagus aren’t just good for keeping healthy digestion, they have also been found to potentially reduce the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
- Can be a beneficial vegetable for pregnant women – Folate is an essential nutrient that is particularly important to those in early pregnancy. Folate helps to form red blood cells and produces the building blocks for healthy growth an development, and many pregnant women are provided with folate supplements in the first 3 months of pregnancy to ensure healthy development of the baby. A single ½ cup serving of asparagus provides an adult with 34% of their daily recommended intake of folate, and pregnant women with 22%.
Roasted Asparagus soup is an easy way to bring asparagus and all of its benefits into your lunch. At our SoLé Soups Studios in Agoura Hills and Thousand Oaks, Roasted Asparagus soup comes fresh-frozen, vegan, and gluten-free.