Asparagus is a member of the lily family which includes leeks, garlic and onions. It has a spear top with bud-like, compact and pointed head.It is expensive compared to other more common vegetables because of the way it has to be grown. From sowing, a plant will take three years to begin to produce marketable spears.

It has an abundance of an amino acid called asparagine, that helps to cleanse the body of waste material.  As a result, some people pass out smelly urine after eating asparagus.  Don't worry if this happens to you.  Just be glad that your kidney is functioning as it should. Asparagus is one of the few vegetables that are highly dense in healthful nutrients that help some illnesses:

• The high alkalinity of this wonder juice is effective in reducing the acidity of the blood and helps cleanses the tissues and muscles of waste.
• A unique phytochemical in asparagus that produces anti-inflammatory effect helps relieve arthritis and rheumatism.
• Consume asparagus regularly for its mild laxative effect and dietary fiber that provides for regular bowel movement.
• Asparagus is a prime source of anti-oxidant and glutathione that can help prevent the dreaded cancer. It also prevents the progression of cataracts and other eye problems.
• The healthful minerals in asparagus juice make it an important diet for people who are controlling their blood sugar levels.  However, it is not to be taken by people with advanced kidney diseases.
• It is a wonderfully diuretic vegetable and its efficacy is more pronounced when it is taken in juice form. Drink a small amount of asparagus juice mixed with raw honey three times a day daily to strengthen a weak or enlarged heart.
• The diuretic and alkaline properties of asparagus help prevent or dissolve kidney stones.  It helps break up oxalic acid crystals formed in the kidney.
• The diuretic effect of asparagus juice helps relieve premenstrual swelling and bloating.  The magnesium in this wonder juice also helps relieve irritability, fatigue, depression, etc.
• The high content of folic acid, calcium and other minerals are important in reducing the risk of birth defects and low birth weight.  The diuretic effect of the juice is also a big help in reducing water retention in pregnant women.

(source: www.juicing-for-health.com)

Eat asparagus for its dietary fiber.  When eating asparagus, always lightly steam, rather than boil, to preserve the sodium and other minerals from boiling away.  But also make juice out of it, especially using the tough stem ends. To make asparagus juice more appetizing, mix with raw honey.  Either mix with other juices from spinach, celery, tomato or even lemon juice.

But still nothing can beat a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise and a balance diet to keep our immune system strong, and to prevent any diseases come our way.