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Asparagus
A member of the lily family, the edible part of this ultimate "luxury" vegetable is actually the young underground sprout or shoot.
Asparagus is an excellent source of vitamin A, and a good source of folate, thiamin, riboflavin, copper and vitamin C. The National Cancer Institute has noted that asparagus is the food highest in glutathione—a powerful detoxifying enzyme, produced by the liver.
Glycemic Index=15
Glycemic Load=0
Antioxidant Score (ORAC)=2,150
The Benefits
- Special diets: Autoimmune Paleo Diet, Elimination Diet, Gluten-Free Diet, Gluten-Free/Dairy-Free Diet, Grain-Free Diet, High Protein Diet, Low Acid Diet, Low Carb Diet, Low Histamine Diet, Low Starch Diet, Paleo Diet (Light), Paleo Diet (Strict), PCOS Diet, Pescetarian Diet, Primal Diet, Vegetarian Diet, Whole Food
- Excellent Source of: VitaminA, VitaminK
- Good Source of: Fiber, Iron, VitaminC, Folate, Copper, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Manganese
- Preferences: No Fish, No Red Meat, No Pork, No Eggs, No Shellfish, No Gluten, No Nuts, No Seeds, No Soy, No Dairy, No Poultry, No Molds, No Citrus, No Pseudograins, No Coconut, No Nightshade, No Legumes, No Grains, No Corn, No Yeast, No Peanuts, Low Carbohydrate, Low Cholesterol, Low Fat, Low Sodium, Low Sugars, Low Saturated Fat
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Selecting and Storing
The optimum season for fresh asparagus lasts from February through June, although hothouse asparagus is available year-round in some regions. It`s best cooked the same day it`s purchased but will keep, tightly wrapped in a plastic bag, 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. Or, store standing upright in about an inch of water, covering the container with a plastic bag.
