4 Side Effects of Eating Asparagus You Might Not Know
Asparagus is not only a vegetable that pairs well with baked salmon for dinner, but it also contains a variety of vitamins and nutrients that can help us maintain a healthy diet. Asparagus contains vitamins B, K, and E, as well as zinc, magnesium, iron, potassium, and fiber, according to a study published in the Journal of Metabolites. It's also low in calories, sodium, and fat, so it's a terrific snack to eat guilt-free.
Although asparagus is a healthy and delicious addition to any meal, it does have certain drawbacks when consumed on a daily basis. Continue reading to discover about the probable adverse effects of asparagus consumption.
1. You may experience bloating
Asparagus has a wide range of nutrients, including fiber. A half-cup of cooked asparagus has roughly 1.8-2 grams of fiber, which is beneficial to digestive health. Asparagus even has a special fiber called "inulin," which can also be found in garlic, artichokes, bananas, and chicory root. This type of fiber, when consumed right, can have a huge impact on our gut health.
Larger levels of fiber, unfortunately, can induce stomach bloating, cramps, and gas in some people. Because of their propensity to encourage the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut, high-fiber diets may induce greater bloating and gas, according to a recent study published in the Journal of Clinical and Translational Gastroenterology. These bacteria are beneficial in that they aid in the digestion of fiber through fermentation. However, the fermentation process can also result in increased bloating due to gas generation.
2. You may have a new intolerance
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a widespread occurrence among Americans, but it is often misdiagnosed or mistreated because it is a complex disease with many possible causes and options. Fructans intolerance, which affects around a quarter of IBS patients, is an intriguing symptom.
Rye, barley, onions, Brussels sprouts, and asparagus all contain fructans, a type of carbohydrate. People who are intolerant to fructans may feel bloating, gas, and cramps, according to a study published in Current Gastroenterology Reports. Since these are similar symptoms to gluten intolerance, patients are often misdiagnosed, therefore it’s best to talk with a registered dietitian who can help you get to the root of the issue and tell you what to avoid to treat IBS effectively.
3. Your urine may have an unusual odor
Have you ever observed that after eating asparagus, your pee has an unusual odor? This is a rather typical event, and there is scientific data to support it. Asparagus contains a chemical component known as asparagusic acid, which is unique to asparagus. Sulfur is present in this chemical, and while sulfur may be found in other foods such as eggs, dairy products, and some fruits, this compound is unique to asparagus. Asparagusic acid is the main cause of odor in your urine, according to a study published in the Phytochemistry Journal.
This may appear strange at first, but it just gets stranger. According to a study published in the British Medical Journal, humans have a genetic mutation that allows them to detect acid in their urine after eating asparagus. As a result, only approximately 40% of people claim to be able to detect a significant odor in their urine after eating asparagus.
4. Asparagus might interfere with your medication
If you eat asparagus on a regular basis, you might find that it interferes with blood-thinning drugs. According to the Journal of Food and Nutrition Research, asparagus is high in vitamin K, which is required for maintaining bone strength and a healthy quantity of blood clotting.
Vitamin K can often interact with blood-thinning drugs like Warfarin because it is high in proteins and can trigger blood coagulation. Before eating asparagus, talk to your doctor if you're using blood thinners or anticoagulants.
