Asparagus is one of the most healthy plants that people routinely eat, and whether you are trying to burn weight, build strength or simply eat in a more healthy fashion, you'll find that by simply adding asparagus to your recipes that you can do yourself a world of good. While some people like to add asparagus on as a side dish, it can easily be seen that with a little bit of effort and research that you can do a great deal to make this appetizing vegetable an excellent main course on your dinner table.

In as far as fruits and vegetables go, asparagus is extremely good for you. A ten ounce serving of asparagus is not only low in calories, but will also provide you with a variety of vitamins and minerals that you might be missing. You'll find that it is an excellent source zinc, calcium, manganese and copper. It is also an excellent source of folic acid, making it an extremely desirable food for pregnant women or people who need to maintain their health.

It is also interesting to note that studies have been done that link asparagus to anticarcinogens and consumption of the vegetable itself will help prevent tumors and cancers in lab animals. You'll also notice that asparagus's short shelf life will let you know in no uncertain terms when it is no longer rich in nutrients. Soft stems and wet, slimy tips will tell you that the asparagus is on the way out and should be composted. Asparagus can be cooked in a number of ways, so whether you get it fresh in bunches or pickled to a yellowy paleness, there are options for the pickiest eaters in your family.

If you have a love of dairy, consider making a cream of asparagus soup. Asparagus has a wonderfully mild flavor that goes quite well with cheeses and creams, and when cooked in soup, the asparagus itself will become deliciously tender while still maintaining some of its crispness. You'll find that the addition of nuts like crushed walnuts or cashews to it will also help add to the texture. You'll also find that simply steaming the spears and drizzling the sauce of your choice over them, you'll able to make a terrific light lunch or dinner. As stated before, a creamy white sauce goes quite well, as does something more sweet or savory, like teriyaki sauce.

Take some time to learn about this pleasant and powerful vegetable and see what it can do for you!

Let us help you get dinner on the table with our 12 week Ultimate menu pack. Grab it today and start cooking dinner with the help of meal planning. Order today at www.menuplanningcentral.com/main.html

Are you and your family eating enough salad? May is National Salad Month and a great time to get started eating more of this delicious food.  Or click here for more cooking healthy info.