Why Asparagus Makes Your Pee Smell

I am a big fan of asparagus. My mum used to cook it a lot for us when I was growing up and I always look forward to spring when Australia’s finest asparagus appears on our shelves. Unfortunately, my family doesn’t love it as much as I do but we ALL know when someone’s had it because of the smell in the bathroom (phew!).

Asparagus produces a strong and disagreeable smell in the urine and it has got to do with the sulfurous amino acids breaking down BUT guess what? Researchers found that almost everyone produces the odor after consuming asparagus, but only 22% of the population possesses the genes needed to be able to smell the odor (lucky for the 78% who’ll never know).

Nutritional Benefits

I also recently learned that asparagus contains inulin, a distinctive type of carbohydrate known as a prebiotic. Prebiotics feed all those wonderful bacteria found in our gut and, in turn, helps absorption, and decreases the risk of allergy.

The roots and tops of asparagus contain phytonutrients (meaning it’s good for human health and fighting and preventing disease) with a special phytonutrient called saponins. Saponins exhibit anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, blood pressure lowering, blood sugar lowering and blood fat lowering properties.In addition:

Mitra and colleagues (2012) showed the anti-cancer effect of asparagus and Hafizur et al. (2012) found Asparagus also controls blood sugar by improving insulin secretion from the pancreas in a study in rats. 

Zhu et al. uncovered the lipid lowering and anti-oxidation effect of extract from the asparagus root. 

Scientists (Bhatnagar & Sisodia) found asparagus possesses anti-ulcer activity against stomach ulcers in a rat model equivalent to the over-the-counter drug, Zantac. Thus, it protects of stomach lining from damage due to excess stomach acid. 

Varieties

Asparagus dates back to the Greeks and Romans and there are over 300 varieties of asparagus, but only 20 types are fit for human consumption. The three most commonly consumed asparagus are the green, white and purple varieties. I haven’t yet tried the purple variety but it looks really interesting. White asparagus is grown underground so that it doesn’t go green.

How to choose healthy asparagus

When purchasing asparagus, look for founded, firm thin stems with deep green or purplish closed tips. The cut ends of the asparagus must not be too woody, because it creates tough stems. If the stems are tough, use a vegetable peeler on the stem to remove the tough outer skin and rinse under cold water to remove dirt. 

Storing asparagus – a tip

Asparagus can be more perishable than other vegetables. Experts in food storage give advice to cover the ends of the asparagus with a damp paper or cloth towel; and consume the vegetable within 48 hours of purchase.

How to grow asparagus at home

Growing Asparagus requires an unusual process for a garden grown plant. Once planted, the asparagus comes back year after year, but it takes a few years before edible spears appear. In autumn, prepare the soil by positioning at least 3 inches deep of organic matter where the asparagus is to be grown. Leave the site alone until next spring and then position seedlings apart by 12 to 18 inches with a depth of 6 to 8 inches. The first summer, feed the plants a vegetable plant food twice a week or as directed on the label. You need to wait at least 2 seasons before harvesting.

The succulent and tender spears of asparagus burst up through the soil at the beginning of spring.

An easy recipe to cook asparagus is Oven-Roasted Asparagus. It reduces any bitter aftertaste. Gather the following ingredients:

• 1 cluster thin asparagus                        

 • ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 3 tablespoons olive oil                          

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon sea salt                                    

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1 ½ tablespoons grated 

• Parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions: Turn the oven on to 425 degrees F; Set the asparagus in a blending bowl, drip olive oil onto spears and stir together to coat the asparagus; Sprinkle the spears with Parmesan cheese, garlic, salt and pepper; Position asparagus on a baking sheet in a single layer; Bake in the 425 degree oven for 12 to 15 minutes until just tender; Spray with lemon juice before serving.

In summary, asparagus provides many healthy effects and under appropriate cooking conditions produces a scrumptious, appetizing vegetable. Asparagus remains one of nature’s highly unflawed foods.

References

Bhatnagar, M., & Sisodia, S. S. (2006). Antisecretory and antiulcer activity of Asparagus racemosus Wild against indomethacin plus phyloric ligation-induced gastric ulcer in rats. Journal of Herbal Pharmacotherapy, 6(1), 13-20.

Hafizur, R. M., Kabir, N., & Chishti, S. (2012). Asparagus officinalis extract controls blood glucose by improving insulin secretion and β-cell function in streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetic rats. British Journal of Nutrition, 108(9), 1586-1595. Doi: 10.1017/S00071145110007148

Mitchell, S. C. (2013). Asparagus, urinary odor, and 1,2-dithiolane-4-carboxylic acid. Perspectives in Biology and Medicine, 56(3), 341-351. doi: 10.135/pbm.2013.0031

Mitra, S. K., Prakash, N. S., & Sundaram, R. (2012). Shatavarins (containing Shatavarin IV) with anticancer activity from the roots of Asparagus racemosus. Indian Journal of Pharmacology, 44(6), 732-736. doi: 10.4103/0253-7613

Pelchat, M. L., Bykowski, C., Duke, F. F., & Reed, D. R. (2011). Excretion and perception of a characteristic ordo in urine after asparagus ingestion: a psychosocial and genetic study. Chemical Senses, 36(1), 9-17. doi: 10.1093/chemse/bjq081

Zhu, X., Zhang, W., Pang, X., Wang, J., Zhao, J., & Qu, W. (2011). Hypolipidemic effect of n-butanol extract from Asparagus officinalis L. in mice fed a high-fat diet. Phytotherapy Research, 25(8), 1119-1124. Doi: 10.1002/ptr.338

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