Ahhhsparagus!  It is my new Springtime favorite!  Why?  It is plentiful, super easy to prep, quick to cook, really nutritious and so delicious you forget that you are doing something great for your body.    So far, my favorite way to cook asparagus is to roast it quickly in a 450 degree oven for about 7 minutes with a little olive oil, salt and pepper.  That’s it.  And, it is so incredible it is hard to believe it isn’t super sinful!  Here’s why it so so great for your body…..asparagus is a substantial source of anti-inflammatory nutrients and anti-oxidants, it is rich in fiber and protein (four to five grams of protein per cup), one of the leading sources of folic acid and has a significant amount of inulin.  Inulin is considered a prebiotic because unlike most carbs, inulin doesn’t get broken down until it reaches the large intestine.  Once there, it becomes an ideal food source for certain types of bacteria that are associated with better nutrient absorption, lower risk of allergy and lower risk of colon cancer.  Jerusalem artichoke and chicory root are the only other two foods that have more inulin.  That is one of the things I love most about this lovely little stalk-it benefits us in ways most other veggies can’t.  All things from the earth are a gift to our bodies, each with their own unique properties.  Just as root vegetables are grounding and warming to our bodies and are plentiful in the winter months, asparagus shoots up in early spring with it’s vibrant green stalks that help to detox, cleanse and lighten our bodies from the heavier foods we consumed over the winter.   Help your body align itself with the seasons and you will feel the difference.  xxo!