Green With Envy

Although we are not supposed to covet our neighbors possessions, being human makes that one, mighty task! Have you ever met someone who has it all: brains, looks, personality, style, etc? Their life seems to be like a movie & if you're lucky enough to audition you just may land a spot as the extra on their set.  Well, I feel that is exactly how most produce would feel about the star, asparagus. Rumor has it this particular veggie has been considered the most nutritionally well balanced vegetable in existence. That's like landing the #1 spot on the 50 most beautiful people list! It was even considered to be a luxury vegetable in ancient Rome, Egypt, & Greece...one bite kinda makes you feel like royalty - no judgement here if you feel the need to bust out a crown & purple robe at the dinner table on asparagus night.

For those of you slightly confused because you have yet to down your first cup of coffee, since I know you wake up, realize it's Friday, & immediately go online just to read what I have to say, let me catch you up...I am not talking about a fruit this week. I decided that there are too many awesome foods out there to only focus on fruits.  I know what you're thinking...this girl can't be contained, she's out of control, what will she come up with next!? All I can say is palette cross-training never tasted so good!

Back to the point..

Like I said, asparagus is quite the envy of its peers...as it should be!  He is the talk of the town with his lengthy svelte appearance, he has just the right amount of taste (not too over-powering, not too bland) & he's packed with nutrients. I mean what more could you ask for?!  What's his secret?! You know the saying, "behind every great man is an even better woman."  Apparently, Mr. Asparagus has been quite the ladies man because it is taking a team effort to make this one fabulous dude.  While asparagus is quite the nutrient powerhouse, let me elaborate on just a few nutrients that he is linked with most often:
       Folate-->  Linked with the mega-star since his rise to fame, this gem is responsible for preventing neural tube defects (these are considered to be the most common disabling birth defects). How does she do it?! Funny you should ask, you see, folic acid  is necessary for developing the neural cord that encloses the spinal cord. For those of you that slept through forget your anatomy, the spinal cord is the main pathway for information connecting the brain & peripheral nervous system. Here's a thought, with Mother's day just around the corner, instead of the typical flower and candy combo...go for the gold with a homemade card!  Thank her for downing those green leafy veggies, strawberries, & whole grain breads so you could function like a normal human being, physically speaking.  Any mental issues you may have are beyond my realm of expertise. Feel free to thank me when you out-shine your siblings at gift giving time.
     "Way to be heartless & predictable with the platinum bracelet Samantha, while I will go ahead & amp; thank mom for the sacrifices she made while I was in the womb."     
     Vitamin C-->  Asparagus wouldn't be considered a mega-star without being linked to this leading lady. Vitamin C continues to make her way around town, wonder if she gets paid for all her appearances?  Quick recap, vitamin C: aids in iron absorption (this is important for your red blood cells), collagen formation, cell function, & wound healing.  
      Potassium-->  Here's a welcomed new face! Potassium is important for heart function & plays a major role in muscle contraction (we're talking about both skeletal & smooth muscles), making it important for normal digestive and muscular function too.      

Did you know there are over 300 varieties of asparagus & only 20  are edible. Probably not, so you are totally welcome for that piece of information that you will probably never use. Edible asparagus is divided into 3 categories:
     1. Green: I'm sure you are familiar with this as it is the most common type & quite fabulous if I do say so myself.  If you are not familiar with asparagus you can eat it raw (I'd recommend some kind of vegetable dip to go along - low fat of course) or cooked.
     2. White: It's grown in the dark and is typically more tender, but has less flavor & is more expensive. I've never claimed to be a genius, but why bother your taste buds?! " Hi, I'll take the more expensive, less tasty version please, JUST because I look cool buying it. " 
     3. Purple: this tends to have more of a fruity flavor or so says the Internet, I've never had it, but I'm sure it's great!

So, there you have it, your day can officially start! Now ditch your daily doughnut and head for healthy. Make sure you cheer for the right team this weekend. See, I'm even being politically correct by not forcing my views on you.  I already know in my heart you'll be cheering for Butler. Happy Friday!