The beneficial properties of asparagus have been known since antiquity. It is perfect for a healthy diet, inclusion in the diet of children. Unfortunately, asparagus is more prevalent in Europe than in Russia. It is for this reason that she is a rare guest at our tables. But this is fundamentally the wrong position that needs to be changed.
History of asparagus
Use this plant began three thousand years ago. And this is not an unfounded statement, but supported by asparagus drawings found on the lids of the sarcophagi. The Egyptians worshiped the asparagus, considering it divine. In their opinion, the plant influenced the continuation of the human race.
In ancient Greece, they did not lag behind and also involved asparagus in myths and legends. Without her, Athena, the goddess of fertility and love, was not worshiped. They put asparagus on the bed, believing that this would help the fertility of the spouses.
And only in Ancient Rome, asparagus ceased to be only a ritual attribute, and began to be used in food. From that moment, asparagus acquired the status of imperial vegetable. And to make the vegetable completely unavailable to commoners, the Roman emperor Diocletian issued a decree banning the sale of asparagus in the markets.
Only in the fifteenth century did this plant appear in Europe. France and Germany were the first to know what it is. But in the Middle Ages, the open sale of asparagus in markets was also banned throughout Europe. Now, as if in protest of the former discrimination of asparagus, thematic festivals are held.
Origin and cultivation
The asparagus family is quite extensive, there are decorative indoor and garden views. It is asparagus that is used as food. Only young shoots are suitable for food, they are considered a special delicacy, because they have a delicate taste.
Asparagus belongs to perennial plants, it is covered with a large number of needles, which creates the deceptive impression of fluffy and delicate. In the spring, buds emerge from the central part of the powerful root system, from which shoots grow.
The older the asparagus is, the harder and inedible it becomes. Asparagus can live from fifteen to twenty years. It easily tolerates frosts, but for young shoots they are undesirable. They hatch early and in the middle of spring already give the first crop.
It grows where the climate is temperate. These are Australia, North America, North Africa and a considerable part of Europe and Asia. New Zealanders are trying to cultivate asparagus.
A wild plant can be found among bushes, in fields, meadows, in the steppes.
To grow asparagus, you do not need much effort. But specific care is needed. And of course, patience, because you can enjoy asparagus no earlier than in three years. Before landing, you need to make sure that the site has good access to light. As a rule, already germinated seeds are planted, fertilized, irrigated and covered from frost. This is done several years in a row until the tubers strengthen. From the moment of strengthening, asparagus bears fruit and grows for twenty or more years.
What does asparagus consist of?
This plant is very loved by nutritionists for its easy digestibility and scanty calorie content. The beneficial properties of asparagus have been well known to doctors since ancient times.
It contains a huge amount of vitamins of groups B, C, A, E. A rather rich composition of the contained minerals. Asparagus has a lot of iron, zinc, magnesium and other minerals. If you include it in the diet, losing weight, it will greatly accelerate and simplify the process. After all, calorie content is only 22 calories per 100 grams. There is a lot of fiber in asparagus - 1.5 grams, which, in turn, normalizes the intestines.
Useful and harmful properties of asparagus
Currently, at least one hundred species of asparagus are edible and in their own way beneficial to humans.
The beneficial properties of asparagus are as follows:
- High folate content. Based on this, it is recommended for pregnant women. Children with developmental defects are also advised to include asparagus in the diet. Folic acid is no less effective in chronic fatigue.
- The presence of aspartic acid, which stimulates the excretion of urine. With urolithiasis, it has a therapeutic effect.
- Coarse dietary fiber helps the digestion of food, less gas formation, normalize the intestinal microflora.
- Reduces blood cholesterol and optimizes fat metabolism due to saponins.
- Thanks to carotenes, it favorably affects eyesight and reduces the risk of developing oncology.
- It improves the cardiovascular system due to coumarin, which has an effect on the walls of blood vessels. Iron and potassium perform the same function.
- Antioxidants contained in asparagus contribute to youth, protection against diseases.
- A large number of vitamins, which everyone knows about the benefits to the human body.
- Asparagus relieves a hangover syndrome and helps the liver cells protect themselves from toxin poisoning.
- The beneficial properties of asparagus for women are also obvious - low calorie content.
- Asparagus juice is actively used by cosmetologists.
Harmful Asparagus Properties
Everything is clear with the beneficial properties of asparagus. And contraindications for this product are also available. Which ones?
People who have no health problems, not only can, but also need to use asparagus. But if there is a history of chronic diseases, then thoughtless eating of this plant can harm the body.
In the children's menu, asparagus can only be introduced from two years old.
Despite the fact that this plant has a therapeutic effect in many ailments, it can exacerbate other diseases. It is necessary to carefully monitor the amount of asparagus in the diet or completely abandon it, if there is at least one of these diseases:
- diabetes;
- cystitis;
- ulcers in the intestines and stomach;
- prostatitis;
- joint ailments.
No less important is the fact that asparagus has the properties of an aphrodisiac. And in the event that this is an undesirable effect in some situation, it is better to refuse the use of asparagus.
An awkward situation can arise from over-eating asparagus. Symptoms such as bloating, flatulence, diarrhea, pain, nausea are harmless to health and are only side-effects.
If you are allergic to garlic or onions (onions or leeks), it means there is a high likelihood of asparagus also allergic.
With gout or urolithiasis, you should also limit its use.
Asparagus helps to increase the concentration of lithium in the human body, which can be harmful. This vegetable has good diuretic properties, so it is necessary to distinguish between eating with asparagus and taking medications, which also have a diuretic effect.
Approximately 40% of those who use asparagus report a specific smell of body and urine. The fact is that sulfur is released, it is not harmful to health.
Asparagus and pregnancy
The beneficial properties of asparagus have a beneficial effect on the child. But there is an important point - do not use any dietary supplements with asparagus extracts, since the hormonal background may be disturbed due to them. Eating is only possible as a food product.
During breastfeeding, asparagus is best discarded. It causes increased gas formation and can cause colic in an infant.
Asparagus for men
Useful properties of the product extend to potency and sexual desire. Asparagus also relieves hangover.
What asparagus happens?
Particularly common are several types of asparagus:
- Green Asparagus. Its useful properties are more pronounced compared to other species, and it also has a more piquant taste. The green color of the shoots confirms the presence of chlorophyll, which supplies the body with oxygen.
- Red asparagus is a rather exotic product for true gourmets. Its interesting feature is that during cooking it changes color from red to green. It has a bitter taste.
- White Asparagus. At one time, scientists considered it the most useful variety, but then this misconception was dispelled. White asparagus is considered the food of aristocrats.
Soy Asparagus
For some reason, there is an opinion that soy asparagus and asparagus plant are one and the same. This is not true. Fuju (soy asparagus) is a kind of semi-finished product from protein, which is very common in Japan and China. This is essentially a film that appears on top of soy milk. Dry soy asparagus is left in the water until soft and used to make side dishes and appetizers. It must be remembered that the beneficial properties of soy asparagus and plants are different.
The soy variety of asparagus can affect the thyroid gland, sexual development, and harm ulcers.
There is an option for cooking asparagus in Korean. Its useful properties are not particularly pronounced, but the taste is very decent
The basis of this dish is soya semi-finished product. It is steeped and characteristic sharp spices and vegetables are added. After which they insist during the night, and then use it.
How to choose and save?
When choosing, the most important thing is what asparagus looks like. Sluggish stems indicate that the plant was not properly stored. And if asparagus on the counter without ebb, it means that this plant is unhealthy. Squeaking when rubbing leaves among themselves indicates the quality of the product.
Asparagus is stored in the refrigerator for two days.
In what form is it better to use asparagus?
In any form, this plant is useful. Be it dried, raw or pickled asparagus. It has useful properties, but it is strictly prohibited for people with a sick stomach. But if there are no such problems, then this asparagus is very convenient to use, and it helps out when you urgently need to set the table.
Dried asparagus is ideal for Korean salads. She retains in herself all the usefulness that was in the fresh vegetable, and her appearance. Despite all these positive aspects, one must still observe moderation in the use of asparagus.
The best combination of taste and beneficial properties is baked asparagus. When sauce is added, asparagus becomes a complete nutritious dish.
How to cook?
The most important wisdom in cooking is that asparagus does not lose its color. It can be added to almost all dishes, because the combination with any other product will be delicious.
Asparagus blanching is the easiest way to cook. A thick part of the plant is cut, and it is boiled for four minutes in boiling water. The benefits of asparagus do not disappear, and the taste is delicate and juicy.
Asparagus can be baked. For an unforgettable taste, place the washed asparagus on a baking sheet and sprinkle with grated Parmesan. In addition, serve yolk sauce or lemon sauce.
Also asparagus is boiled. First, the stems are connected in a bundle and lowered into boiling water so that they stand. It turns out that the tops are prepared in a steam way, because they look out of the water. No matter how strange it may be, but in this way the vegetable turns out to be evenly cooked, because the stalks take longer to cook. By adding lemon juice, you can improve the taste.
So that the asparagus remains crispy and does not lose color, it is necessary after dipping the vegetable in ice water for a few seconds. Then the taste of this plant will not leave anyone indifferent.