Top 10 Reasons Why You Should Eat Asparagus

This succulent, savory vegetable contains a stimulating blend of nutrients, making this member of the lily family a fantastic food for your health.

Asparagus is high in anti-inflammatory nutrients as well as provides a wide variety of antioxidant nutrients, including vitamin C, beta-carotene, vitamin E, and the minerals zinc, manganese and selenium. It contains the amino acid asparagine, as well as chromium, a trace mineral that helps insulin do its job of transporting glucose. It's also especially rich in glutathione, a detoxifying compound that can help destroy carcinogens. For this reason, asparagus may help fight or protect against certain cancers, including bone, breast, lung and colon cancers.

Reasons to Incude Asparagus in Diet

1 Asparagus is extremely low in calories at about 20 per serving (five spears). This low-calorie, high-fiber veggie is a great food for weight loss and overall health.

2 Helps regulate blood sugar: The Mayo Clinic notes that vitamin B6 may affect blood sugar levels and advises caution for people who have diabetes or low blood sugar. However, those with healthy levels can benefit from asparagus's ability to regulate it.

3 Lowering the risk of type 2 diabetes: As with heart disease, risk of type 2 diabetes increases with excessive inflammation and oxidative stress. Therefore, asparagus' impressive anti-inflammatory properties and high levels of antioxidants make it good preventive food. A study published in the British Journal of Nutrition also suggested that asparagus' ability to improve insulin secretion and improve beta-cell function also helps lower the risk of type 2 diabetes. Beta cells are unique cells in the pancreas that produce, store and release insulin.