Originally published July 31 2014
Asparagus may make urine smell funny, but it delivers extraordinary health benefits
by Raw Michelle
(NaturalNews) After consuming asparagus, many people notice that their urine has a distinctly different odor. While not on par with inhaling the pleasant aroma of rose petals, it's a normal process in the body and is not cause for concern.
The reason urine smells different after eating asparagus
According to Dr. Roshini Raj, assistant professor of medicine at New York University Langone Medical Center, "Your body breaks down asparagus during digestion into sulfur-containing chemicals that give your urine a distinctive odor."(1) Furthermore, the World's Healthiest Foods website states that people should go on eating the vegetable despite the odor in urine that often develops after consumption since no studies show a correlation between eating the food, the urine smell, and any resulting health risks.(1)
While the urine odor that many people experience after eating it may not be welcome, its health benefits are a breath of fresh air.
Here's a look at some of the top benefits of eating asparagus.
Health benefits of eating asparagus
Improves digestive health
Asparagus contains an unusual carbohydrate called inulin, which, unlike most carbs, does not break down in the first parts of the digestive tract.(2) Rather, it's not until it reaches the large intestine that it gets digested, making it the perfect food source for certain bacteria, which in turn helps with nutrient absorption, reduced colon cancer risk and allergy relief.(2)
Cancer-fighting abilities
According to the World's Healthiest Foods web site, "asparagus and asparagus extracts can change the metabolic activity of cancer cell types, and these changes are protective in nature and related to better regulation of inflammation and oxidative stress."(2) However, while much has been discussed about asparagus, specifically pertaining to lung cancer and leukemia, it's important to point out that more research needs to be conducted to be fully conclusive.(2,3)
Still, asparagus does contain anti-inflammatory properties and since inflammation is associated with acting as a risk factor for cancer, it's a food that many people choose to add to their diet to ensure an optimally-functioning system.
Better eye and skin health
Asparagus contains vitamin A, which is not only known to boost eye health, but to improve skin, lung and intestinal tissue lining.(4)
Better bone health, wound healing
The vegetable is very rich in vitamin K, which has been linked to helping prevent osteoporosis. Additionally, it's helpful when it comes to assisting with blood clotting, so it's also effective in helping wounds heal.(5)
Sure, there may be an unusual odor to contend with after urinating, but the health benefits of eating asparagus sure outweigh that experience!
Sources for this article include:
(1) http://rawandnaturalhealth.com
(2) http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=12
(3) http://www.livestrong.com/article/431816-asparagus-and-lung-cancer/
(4) http://www.naturalnews.com
(5) http://www.livestrong.com
About the author:
Raw Michelle is a natural health blogger and researcher, sharing her passions with others, using the Internet as her medium. She discusses topics in a straight forward way in hopes to help people from all walks of life achieve optimal health and well-being. She has authored and published hundreds of articles on topics such as the raw food diet and green living in general. >>> Click here to see more by Michelle
Raw Michelle is a natural health blogger and researcher, sharing her passions with others, using the Internet as her medium. She discusses topics in a straight forward way in hopes to help people from all walks of life achieve optimal health and well-being. She has authored and published hundreds of articles on topics such as the raw food diet and green living in general. >>> Click here to see more by Michelle
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