|
Beauty
from the inside out!
by
Lucinda Jenkins
Along
the way, asparagus picked up a reputation for
having health benefits, a belief backed by modern
research studies, which show it to be rich in
folacin, a key factor in cell reproduction. Folacin
is essential for growth and repair of body tissues
and helps in the reproduction of blood cells in
bone marrow. Folacin is perhaps better known as the
B vitamin needed by women of childbearing age to
assure proper fetal development and prevent some
neural tube defects.
The
National Cancer Institute also ranks asparagus the
best known natural source of glutathione, a
powerful antioxidant and cancer fighter.
As
a bonus, at a cost of just 20 calories, five spears
of asparagus (93 grams) provide 3 grams of dietary
fiber, 2 grams of protein, and 10 percent of the
Vitamins A and C that we need daily, along with 5
grams of carbohydrates. Asparagus also helps meet
our need for calcium and iron.
By
Marilynn Marter
PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER FOOD WRITER
April 5, 2000
ASPARAGUS
WITH ROASTED RED PEPPER SAUCE
4
roasted red bell peppers
1 tiny hot red pepper,
1 medium clove garlic, minced
4 tablespoons minced red onion
2 teaspoons lime juice
1 pound asparagus
1/2 cup chopped cilantro.
Slice
red peppers into 1/8-inch-wide strips. Trim and
seed hot pepper, and mince. Combine roasted
peppers, hot pepper, garlic and onion. Add lime
juice, a little at a time, until desired tartness
is achieved. Set aside if using immediately, or
cover and refrigerate until serving time. (Salsa
can be made a day ahead; remove from refrigerator
before cooking asparagus.)
Trim
tough part from asparagus by breaking stems at the
point where the tender part meets the woody stem.
Wash thoroughly. Steam asparagus 3 to 7 minutes,
depending on thickness. Drain and arrange on a
serving plate.
Mix
cilantro into salsa, and spoon over asparagus.
Your tip of the day has been brought to you by:
Glenbrook
Farms Herbs and
Such
Copyright © 1999-2000 Lucinda Jenkins
Feel
free to forward these tips to a friend. To
subscribe to Vibrant Health! daily newsletter,
Click
Here
|
