FitSugar -- Healthy, happy you.

What's the Deal With That Asparagus Aroma?

FitSugar — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 08:00:00 -0700

I love asparagus, and it's incredibly good for you — full of vitamin K, plus A and C and folate. But if you've ever eaten a lot of it, you might have noticed a rather odd side effect. There's really no delicate way to say this, so I'll just come right out with it: Eating asparagus can make your pee smell funny.

It doesn't happen to everyone, but if it happens to you, don't worry: The effect is totally harmless. The odor is merely a byproduct of digesting the veggie. According to WebMD, a compound called mercaptan, present in the green stalks, causes the ammonia- or sulfur-like smell to be released.

It is estimated that 40 to 50 percent of people experience this effect from asparagus; it's all a matter of genetics. If you've never noticed it, you may be immune, or you may simply be unable to smell it. The odor could appear the next day or in a matter of minutes. But aside from the obvious unpleasantness, the aroma of asparagus is nothing to be concerned about. Now aren't you glad we had this little chat?

Source

Learn to Love: Asparagus

FitSugar — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 07:30:00 -0700

One certain sign of springtime is affordable and fresh asparagus at my grocery store. Yep, this unique spear like veggie is now in season and ready for you to enjoy. If you don't already love it, like I do, you should learn to love it.

Although there are three types of asparagus: green, white and purple, the green variety is the most common. Not only is the veggie loaded with antioxidant vitamins A and C, its vitamin K is off the charts. In fact, one cup contains 114 percent of your daily value requirement of K. Plus, asparagus is a natural diuretic and might help reduce water retention during PMS. While we are on women's health, you might be interested to know that asparagus is high in folate (the naturally occurring folic acid) content, and asparagus is considered a birth defect fighter.

For two more interesting things about asparagus,

The Beauty of Asparagus

FitSugar — Fri, 16 Mar 2007 08:45:00 -0700

I can always tell when asparagus season is starting...usually in mid February, prices for the veggie start to slowly creep downwards. Now, the season is in full swing - I just had some incredible tandoori asparagus at my favorite Indian restaurant. YUM!!!

There are three types of asparagus: green, white and purple. Green being the most common. Not only is the veggie loaded with antioxidant vitamins A and C, it is off the chart with Vitamin K. One cup contains 114% of you daily value requirement. It is a natural diuretic and might help reduce water retention during PMS. Due to its high folate content, asparagus is considered a birth defect fighter.

Two things about asparagus:
One - It will make your urine smell funny, but that doesn't mean it is bad for you. It is just a by product of your body breaking down some of the natural chemicals found in the plant.
Two - It is considered an aphrodisiac, based soley on its shape. Hmmmm....I will let you work it out from there.

So eat up and enjoy - asparagus is in season until early June.

Fit's Tip: Don't cut the bottoms off the spears, just bend each piece of asparagus, and it will snap just where it needs to. Toss the bottom parts. Or better yet - compost them!!!