Asparagus, a spring vegetable grown largely in United States. It is a herbaceous plant having stout stems with much-branched feathery heads. Asparagus racemosus, described as Shatavari, translated as “Having 100 Roots”, in Ayurveda texts has been used for centuries for pacifying Pitta and balancing Pitta and Vata. It gives a boost to immune system, elevates energy levels and strength.

“Shatavari, The Queen of herbs, an absolute must for any woman!”

Health Benefits 

Asparagus is packed with health benefits and loaded with nutrients.

  • Asparagus is proven to be very much effective in the treatment of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cancer, digestive problems, skin allergies, female reproductive problems, and so on
  • It is used for enhancing female fertility and levels of breast milk production
  • Phyto-estrogens, the precursors of estrogen present in shatavari assist in balancing the female hormonal system during low natural estrogen levels (menopause, hysterectomies or oophorectomies)
  • Improves peristalsis of bowels
  • Moisturizes respiratory tract

Nutrient Contents per 100 g

  • Energy – 20 kcal
  • Total carbohydrates – 3.7 g
  • Dietary fiber – 2.2 g
  • Sugars – 2.2 g
  • Fat – 0.12 g
  • Protein – 2.2 g
  • Vitamin A – 1197 mcg
  • Vitamin C – 5.6 mcg
  • Vitamin E – 1.1 mg
  • Vitamin K – 41.1 mcg
  • Folate – 52 mcg
  • Calcium – 24 mg
  • Iron – 2.14 mg
  • Magnesium – 14 mg
  • Phosphorus – 52 mg
  • Potassium – 202 mg
  • Sodium –2 mg
  • Zinc – 0.54 mg

Bio-active Component 

Steroidal Saponins: Act as antioxidants, anti-carcinogens, anti-bacterial, antidiabetic,antihepatotoxic, anti-inflammatory, immunostimulants, reproductive agents and antioxytocic

Cautions

  • Avoid if allergic to asparagus
  • It should be used with caution in people taking diuretic drugs
  • One should avoid asparagus in cases of excess of kapha, congestion or ama (metabolic wastes) in people with estrogen sensitivity

Ribboned Asparagus Salad

Ingredients (Serves 1)

100 g Asparagus

½ Cucumber

6 Cherry Tomatoes

For the dressing

1 tbsp Olive Oil

½ tbsp Lemon Juice,

 Freshly Squeezed ½ Ripe Avocado, Stone Removed

Method

1. Snap off the tough ends of the asparagus. Using a vegetable peeler shave upwards to create thin ribbons. Place all the ribbons in a large serving bowl.

2. Slice the cucumber length ways and cut into bite-size pieces. Cut the tomatoes in half & add these to the bowl.

3. Place the dressing ingredients in a blender and blitz until creamy. Add a dash of oil or water if necessary. Dress and toss the salad so it's evenly coated, then serve.

Daily Nutrient Needs Met

Dietary Fiber – 8%                         Calcium – 2%

Protein – 4%                                    Iron – 12%                                        

Vitamin C – 9%                               Potassium – 6%      

Vitamin A – 15%

Vitamin K – 52%

 Folate – 13%