Asparagus Facts + A Recipe Roundup

I've always thought of asparagus as an odd vegetable. I'll eat it, but I've never gotten super excited about seeing it on a menu. Plus, it makes my pee smell funny. However, it's delicious with bacon and does have some benefits.

Asparagus has been shown to improve heart health due to being rich in vitamin K. Vitamin K helps calcium get to where it needs to go, aids in wound healing, and assists proper blood clotting. Asparagus also contains an amino acid called asparagine that acts as a diuretic to help rid the body of excess sodium. So it can be good for reducing blood pressure.

Asparagus is a source of dietary fiber and other nutrients. One such nutrient is called phenols, which is an antioxidant that has been shown to have anti-carcinogenic properties. Asparagus is also a decent source of folate, a B vitamin needed for improved cell formation. This is a nutrient that is especially important for future and expectant mothers.

There's actually a reason for your pee smelling funny after you've consumed asparagus. This smell is caused by asparagusic acid. This is an organosulfer compound unique to asparagus that can help to cleanse the liver of toxins. So eat your asparagus, and don't worry about the funny odor it produces when you pee.

Here are some delicious asparagus recipes for you to try out this spring while asparagus is in peak season.

What's your favorite way to eat asparagus?