For some people, eating asparagus comes with a strange side effect: funky-smelling pee. The asparagusic acid is most concentrated at the tips of the spears. Researchers have determined that some people possess a certain genetic makeup that prevents them from smelling anything weird when they hit the bathroom after an asparagus-heavy meal. The vegetable has been the subject of a few controversial studies. Earlier this year, for instance, there were news headlines that said eating asparagus can promote breast cancer.
That was the conclusion following the publication of research that found an enzyme called asparagine synthetase is responsible for determining whether a cancerous breast tumor will spread. Some media outlets concluded that eating less asparagus, which contains asparagine synthetase, could help patients with breast cancer decrease their risk of metastasis. Finding a way to lower asparagine levels in the blood, however, may prove beneficial.
Some people also believe asparagus has the potential to lead to gout , a painful form of arthritis, because of its levels of purines, which are substances naturally found in the body.
When the body breaks down purines, it produces uric acid. Normally, the body absorbs uric acid in the blood or it passes through the kidneys.
But too much uric acid in the blood, however, can end up causing pain, swelling, or inflammation. So even though it seems logical to think avoiding foods that are high in purines will help alleviate gout symptoms , experts say that high-purine vegetables, including asparagus, do not put you at increased risk for gout.
Just place the spears in a microwave-safe dish with a little water and heat for three to four minutes or until tender. Overcooking them will result in lost flavor, and excess cooking will also destroy some of the nutrients. People enjoy asparagus plain or with a bit of butter, salt, and pepper. By subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Health Topics. Health Tools. Reviewed: June 19, Medically Reviewed. Each serving offers: 12 13 calories 1.
Ready to start cooking with asparagus tonight? Editorial Sources and Fact-Checking. Appetizing Asparagus. There is some evidence that asparagus may help ease some of the symptoms of a hangover due to both its fibre and flavonoid protective plant compound content. The research even suggests that asparagus may help reduce damage to the liver caused by alcohol, although further research is needed.
Asparagus is a rich source of folate, a vitamin which is important for making red blood cells and for cell division — the synthetic version of this vitamin is folic acid. Folate is an essential nutrient during pregnancy because it is needed for foetal development and protects against neural tube defects including spina bifida.
Just g of asparagus boiled will provide your daily reference intake RI mcg. However, the NHS recommends that women planning a pregnancy or in the first trimester of pregnancy obtain mcg of folic acid a day. Not only is asparagus rich in vitamins like vitamins C and E but it also contains plant compounds called polyphenols, all of which have anti-inflammatory effects , and is why eating asparagus may relieve inflammatory conditions. In addition to this, animal studies suggest that a natural compound in asparagus acts as an ACE inhibitor helping dilate blood vessels and lower blood pressure.
It does this by preventing an enzyme in your body from producing angiotensin II, a substance that narrows blood vessels making your blood pressure higher. Although this is a promising finding, the same effects have not, to date, been replicated in humans. It is possible to be allergic to asparagus — if so, you may also be allergic to other members of the same botanical family, including garlic and chives. If you are not accustomed to fibre in your diet, eating a generous portion of asparagus in one sitting may result in bloating and wind.
Other potential side effects include dehydration, muscle cramps, dizziness and rashes. You can avoid these by pairing over-the-counter diuretics with foods high in potassium like bananas, sunflower seeds, apricots, or oranges. Happily, natural diuretics — like my cabbage — can offer relief from water retention and bloating without taking any pills at all.
While no single food in isolation is ever a miracle cure, making sure to add more of these foods to your day will set you up for greater success. Here are nine natural diuretics you can snag in the produce aisle of your grocery store. From the time of the ancient Greek and Romans, asparagus has been used for its diuretic properties. The distinct smell of urine after eating asparagus comes from asparagusic acid, which is broken down into a sulfur-containing compound when digested.
Beets are high in potassium, which helps eliminate fluid. Here's more about why beets are great and how to grow them. Betanin, which gives beets their color, has been associated with lower levels of C-reactive protein, making beets an anti-inflammatory as well. Cabbage can help reduce water weight. The popular " cabbage soup diet" deploys the diuretic properties of cabbage, along with its high fiber and water content to support weight loss.
The Romans used cabbage for hangovers and to help alcoholics "dry out. Remember: If your feet are always swollen or you're regularly retaining water, a visit to your doctor is a good idea to check for an underlying medical condition.
This vegetable helps to eliminate excess body fluids, and is beneficial in reducing high-blood pressure and fluid retention. They are nutritious and have few calories. Asparagus : Nutrition Benefits Asparagus is high in antioxidants and packs a powerful punch of healthy vitamins and minerals: fiber, vitamins A, C, E and K and folate. It's also a great source of copper, an essential trace mineral that aids in collagen formation, energy production and iron absorption.
Thankfully, it does not. Studies show that like frozen produce, canned produce — provided it is free of added salt and sugars — has a nutrient value that is often as good as, if not better than, that of fresh produce. Freshly picked fruits and vegetables typically do start with more vitamins and nutrients. Why does asparagus make urine smell? Asparagus contains a sulphurous compound called mercaptan which is also found in rotten eggs, onions and garlic.
When your digestive system breaks down mercaptan, by-products are released that cause the strange smell. They can help keep blood pressure in check Another upside to the high potassium content in bananas : it may help regulate blood pressure. The more potassium you consume, the more sodium that can exit your body, according to the American Heart Association. That's because the mineral acts like a natural diuretic. The asparagus smell is thought to result from the metabolism of asparagusic acid, found in asparagus , into other sulfur-containing compounds, such as methanethiol, the most prominent odorant identified in asparagus pee , along with many others.
Thanks to their diuretic function, they help the cleansing process by activating the functions of the liver and kidneys that eliminate the toxins. Here are the top 8 natural diuretics and a look at the evidence behind each one. Share on Pinterest. Dandelion Extract. Green and Black Tea. Nigella Sativa. Certain vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cabbage, asparagus , and cauliflower are known to cause excess gas.
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