A member of the lily family, asparagus joins onions, leeks and garlic under this category. They have been cultivated in the South of Europe for more than 200 years. The most common type of this asparagus is the green variety though you can also find them in white.

Asparagus are poor in calories but are loaded with vitamins and minerals. They are also a good source of folic acid, vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, calcium and fiber. A hundred grams of asparagus provide only 24 calories, which is 1/3 of our daily needs.

These vegetables also have detoxifying and diuretic effects since their fibers can help people clean out their gastrointestinal tract. They can also help the body get rid of excess water. They have phytochemical glutathione, which has antioxidant and anticarcinogenic properties.