Food as Medicine Recipe!
Asparagus with Sundried Tomatoes, Feta Cheese and Nuts!
By Anthony B. James DNM(C), ND(T), MD(AM), DPHC(h.c.), RAC, SMOKH
Educational Director: SomaVeda College of Natural Medicine: Thai Yoga Center.
Asparagus and Sun Dried Tomatoes
From the SCNM: Thai Yoga Center Kitchen, Enjoy it!
Colorful, healthy and tasty dish!
1 pound asparagus, trimmed (organic, Non-GMO)
2 tbsp extra-virgin, organic olive oil
3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (Non-GMO)
1/4 cup chopped sundried tomatoes
1/4 cup toasted walnuts (Also Substitute Pecans, Pine Nuts)
2 tbsp organic balsamic vinegar
sea salt and pepper
1. Blanche/ Par-boil (Raw is Ok!) Cook/ Steam asparagus in boiling water for 2 minutes or until crisp and tender. Immediately remove from hot water and immerse into ice water. It with be very green. Drain and set aside.
2. Arrange asparagus on a platter and drizzle with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, feta cheese, sundried tomatoes and walnuts. Season and toss with salt and pepper as desired and serve with some toasted gluten free bread or crackers!
Health Benefits of Asparagus
1) A great source of fiber, folate, vitamins A, C E and K as well as the trace mineral Chromium that enhances the ability of insulin to transport glucose from the bloodstream to the cells.
2) Asparagus is an herbaceous plant, in the same general family as Avocado, Kale and Brussels Sprouts that is high in Glutathione, a detoxifying compound that helps break down carcinogens and free radicals. It has been shown to be helpful in helping to fight or to protect against certain forms of cancer such as bone, breast, colon, larynx and lung cancers.
3) Asparagus is considered one of the top Anti-Aging food because it is packed with antioxidents. This is because of it’s ability to neutralize cell damaging free radicals.
4) Brain Health and cognitive function are enhanced and cognitive decline and degeneration are slowed or reduced. The folate compounds support vitamin B-12 metabolism. It does this by enhancing the metabolic ability to absorb B-12.
5) Anti-inflammatory: Asparagus contains high levels of the amino acid asparagine which is a natural diuretic. It increase release of excess fluids in the body, the retention of which is key in rheumatic syndromes which have an element of chronic inflammation and edema. This is helpful for any excess accumulation of fluids in the body. Asparagus helps divest the body of excess sodium as well making it helpful additional for high blood pressure and or other cardiovascular/ heart related illnesses.
6) High in Iodine. A deficiency of iodine can lead to hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone),
7) Helps reduce Acidosis and improve metabolic Alkalinity.
Homeopathics: According to Borieke’s Matria Medica (Asparagus Officinalis): Its marked and immediate action on the urinary secretion is well known. It causes weakness and cardia depression with dropsy. Rheumatic pains. Especially about left shoulder and heart. As a remedie it is indicated for; Confusion, Coryza, with profuse, thin fluid, Aching in forehead and root of nose, Migrainous morning headache with scotoma, Throat feels rough, with hawking copious, tenacious mucus from throat, Frequent, with fine stitches in orifice of urethra; burning; of peculiar odor, Cystitis, with pus, mucus and tenesmus, Pulse intermits, weak, pain about left shoulder and heart, associated with bladder disturbances, Great oppression in breathing, Heart; Palpation, with oppression of chest, Pulse intermits, weak, pain about left shoulder and heart, associated with bladder disturbances, Pain at acromion process of left scapula under clavicle and down arm, with feeble pulse.
Of course always try to obtain your Asparagus from legacy, organic and pesticide free sources!
Traditional Naturopathic Medicine includes the practices of supporting self healing and wellness through any safe, natural non-invasive method. To learn more about how to gain a complete education in traditional natural medicine contact the SomaVeda College of Natural Medicine. SCNM offers four professional Certificate courses and three college degrees. To learn how to be part of the cutting edge of tomorrows healing today Click Here!
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