Asparagus Cures Cancer and Hangovers

Asparagus Health Benefits

Sep 1, 2009 Kathy Jackson

Whether or not asparagus is a cure for cancer or eases hangovers may be questionable but the nutritional benefits are excellent.

Atlanta Journal Constitution’s article on Aug 28 entitled "Asparagus May Ease Hangovers" summarizing findings of a South Korea research project may bring back memories of earlier urban legends of how asparagus cures cancer. The “Asparagus for Cancer” email has been working its way around the internet since 2006. Snopes.com shows a mixed result when trying to confirm or debunk the legend. Whether or not asparagus cures a hangover, or cures cancer, Snopes and the Atlanta Journal Constitution both point out the nutritional benefits of its consumption.

How Asparagus Cures Cancer and Hangovers

Asparagus is low in saturated fats, low in cholesterol and high in fiber, folic acid, potassium, and an assortment of vitamins. It is a low Glycemic vegetable meaning diabetics can consume it without severe impact on the blood glucose level. Asparagus is one of the primary vegetables noted for containing Glutathione, an antioxidant. Glutathione (GSH) is found in the body and is important in fighting against diseases like Cancer and Alzheimer’s. Although foods like asparagus do not contain Glutathione GSH, they do assist the body in producing it. While eating asparagus may not directly cure cancer or your morning hangover, it can increase the glutathione level and possibly help the liver clear toxins faster, making the healing process more efficient.

How to Serve Asparagus

To preserve the nutrients and offer the most glutathione addition for the body, asparagus is best served lightly steamed. Cooking the vegetable destroys many of the nutrients. Asparagus can be steamed in a steamer and served with a small amount of butter and lemon. Boiling to a tender crisp state is another serving option. Individuals consuming a low carbohydrate diet may find asparagus to be a filling vegetable for the low number of carbohydrates. A half cup of asparagus contains less than 3 carbs and a high portion of those are fiber.

Asparagus Soup or Casseroles

For those who are not open to consuming the steamed or boiled asparagus, options such as Asparagus Casserole or Asparagus Soup allow for the vitamins and nutrients to be consumed while adding other items for texture or taste. Asparagus Casserole may be rice based or may be coupled with a meat such as a Chicken Asparagus Casserole.

Asparagus soup may be made using canned asparagus or fresh and may be broth type or creamy. Creamy soups are comfort foods for many and utilize a variety of vegetables. Creamy vegetable soups can be frozen into individual servings to allow family members to enjoy a healthy lunch. Freezing may cause separation of the ingredients but a quick stir will remix them. This easy Asparagus Soup recipe can be prepared quickly as a dinner starter, or served in larger quantity with a bread as the main course

Creamy Vegetable Asparagus Soup Recipe

This creamy vegetable soup makes use of fresh asparagus but can also be made with canned. The liquid in canned asparagus may be substituted for part of the water.

Ingredients

• 2 cups Water
• 4 chicken bouillon cubes
• 2 tbsp butter or margarine
• 5 tsp flour
• Salt, pepper, garlic powder,
• 1 cup milk
• 1 bunch fresh asparagus
• Carrots, onions, mushrooms (optional)

1. Melt butter in a medium stock pot.
2. Add flour slowly until dissolved in the butter and mixed to a paste.
3. Dissolve bouillon cubes in water and gradually add to the flour mixture.
4. Add seasonings and heat until well mixed and beginning to thicken.
5. Add carrots and onions 5 minutes before adding mushrooms and asparagus.
6. Cook slowly for 5 minutes to allow asparagus flavors to mix with the soup.
7. Add milk and heat thoroughly without boiling.

This Creamy Asparagus Soup can be topped with shredded cheese or croutons for more flavor. The benefits of adding asparagus to the diet are plentiful. Whether asparagus cures cancer, or makes the hangover go away remains to be proven but adding it to the menu adds variety as well as vitamins and nutrients.

You may also be interested in Asparagus Could be New Hangover Cure - Study

The copyright of the article Asparagus Cures Cancer and Hangovers in Nutrition is owned by Kathy Jackson. Permission to republish Asparagus Cures Cancer and Hangovers in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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Oct 19, 2009 1:11 AM

Guest :

thanks for this informative article !

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