ASPARAGUS
Asparagus officinalis 

Asparagus is also known as Sparrowgrass and grows wild in Mediterranean countries. When picking an asparagus, choose ones where the stem has not dired and become floppy.

Asparagus is good provider of Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Folic acid. It also has a beneficial and stimulating effect on the kidneys and is a good diuretic. A glass of Asparagus juice taken three times a day purifies the blood, tones the nervous system, and acts as a laxative.

Intake of Asparagus juice causes the urine to become colored and gives it a strong smell. This is no cause concern and is a normal phenomenon associated with the juice.

AVOCADO
Persea gratissima
Persea americana

Avocados are also called alligator pears because of their pear-like appearance and unusual texture. This fruit was even cultivated by the ancient Incas.

Avocado has a good supply of carotene, vitamins, and minerals. Avocado oil is rich in vitamins A, D and E, and in the mono-unsaturated fat oleic acid. This makes it very effective in preventing heart disease.

Daily intake of avocado must be restricted to one fruit a day, whether in solid or juice form. Avocado oil can also be applied externally for soothing sensitive skins and as an effective sunscreen.

ASPARAGUS

Asparagus belongs to the lily family which also includes onions and garlic. It is a fleshy, leafless food that is known for

its medicinal properties and health benefits. Drinking a small quantity of asparagus juice twice or thrice a day is known to

help in strengthening the heart.

There are several asparagus juice benefits. There is significant folate contained in asparagus and this is beneficial for the

health of the cardiovascular system. Folate also helps to prevent birth defects from occurring. The division of cells in the

nervous system of a fetus takes place properly when there is a good intake of folate. Birth defects such as spina fibida and

low birth weight can be prevented through an adequate consumption of asparagus. Asparagus is also low in sodium and high in

potassium. These minerals along with the active amino acid known as asparagine work as a natural diuretic. Bloating and

swelling that usually occurs just before menstruation may thus be relieved by drinking asparagus juice.

The juice is also known to be effective in easing tiredness, irritability and depression. Asparagus contains a carbohydrate

known as inulin which cannot be digested. However some naturally occurring bacteria in the colon feed on inulin. Consumption

of asparagus helps these good bacteria to grow in number and this helps to control the breeding of harmful bacteria. There

are many other benefits of asparagus as well. The alkaline properties of asparagus help to lower the acidic levels in the

blood. Asparagus is recommended for those affected by arthritis and rheumatism since it has anti-inflammatory properties.

This vegetable also supplies fiber to the body and helps to regulate blood sugar levels. Urinary tract infections may also be

prevented with regular intake of asparagus juice. Asparagus is even known to have a stimulating effect on milk production and

hence is beneficial for nursing mothers.

For a nourishing asparagus juice recipe, add some carrot, tomato or lemon juice. This makes it more palatable. You may also

add some raw honey to asparagus juice. Before juicing, ensure that you chop off the fibrous end of the vegetable. Also rinse

the asparagus stalks thoroughly to get rid of dirt or soil. Asparagus may be used in many other recipes as well. You can make

a delicious, fresh salad with asparagus, avocados, fresh parsley, white wine vinegar and lemon. You can also pour some

avocado oil over oven roasted asparagus stalks and serve them with fresh feta cheese.