Sue Bedford (MSc Nutritional Therapy)
Asparagus is a great fertility food and contains nutrients that help in DNA replication and cell health, which may benefit the quality of egg and sperm DNA.
Vitamin E, vitamin C, and selenium- key antioxidants important to fertility are all found in abundance in asparagus. Antioxidants fight free radicals in the blood, which harm all cells, including egg and sperm cells, causing cell damage.
Asparagus also contains vitamins B1,2,3,5, and 6, as well as folate, selenium, and zinc, all of which aid in cell formation, health, and DNA replication.
Asparagus is a prebiotic (helps to feed the ‘good’ gut bacteria) because it contains a lot of indigestible fibre, which helps to support the good bacteria in the large intestine.
Asparagus Soup
(Serves 4)
500g asparagus
50g butter
6 shallots, roughly chopped
1 clove of Garlic (crushed)
1 tbsp plain flour (of your choice)
2 tbsp double cream
Pinch of sea salt and pepper (optional)
How to make your Asparagus Soup:
Fill a pan with roughly 1 litre of water from the kettle, snap the woody stalks off the asparagus, chop the fresh green parts, and cook for 4 minutes, or until soft. Using a colander, drain the asparagus and save the water in a jug.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter and soften the shallots and garlic. Stir in the flour and cook for a few minutes, stirring constantly, before adding the asparagus cooking water. Remove the pan from the heat and mix in the asparagus. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste after adding the cream. If using, divide amongst dishes and top with asparagus tips.
