- There are over 300 varieties of asparagus but only 20 are edible
- Originally from the Mediterranean and now it is grown all over the world
- Normally it is green or greenish purple but white ones are grown underground
- Low in calories – only 24 calories in 1 cup! And half of those calories come from protein
- Excellent source of potassium, vitamin K, folic acid, vitamins C and A, riboflavin, thiamin, B6
- Good source of dietary fiber
- It also has iron and protein!
- Historically used in the treatment of arthritis – recently antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds have been discovered in asparagus which would explain the benefit to sore joints
- Asparagus is a diuretic and can make your urine smell different likely due to the amino acid asparagine
- It loses it many nutrients quickly so ideally eat it within 1 to 2 days after you buy it