Asparagus

Astringent, sweet, cooling, and diuretic, asparagus is good for everyone. Although seasonal in spring, I like to include it in my diet at least once or twice per month throughout the year because of its many benefits:

• Supports the reproductive and urinary systems
• Encourages elimination of toxins via the urinary tract
• Reduces water retention
• Strengthens the immune system (high in glutathione)
• Lowers cholesterol while detoxifying the body
• Reduces inflammation
• Helps the body deal with arthritis, rheumatism, and asthma
• May increase the success rate of chemotherapy
• Cleanses the kidneys; prevents kidney stones
• Increases lactation
• Soothes menstrual cramps
• Antidote against X-rays and other forms or radiation

To trim the fibrous ends of asparagus: hold the stalk by both ends and bend until it snaps in two. You may use the stalk ends for making stocks.