Why Some People Shouldn't Eat Too Much Asparagus.

The asparagus season is one of the most popular times in the seasonal vegetable calendar. It is healthy, delicious, low in calories, and rich in vitamins and minerals. However, there are certain groups who should avoid this vegetable. According to experts, kidney patients should consult their doctor before consumption, as asparagus promotes urine excretion and can lead to further complications. Additionally, asparagus is rich in purines, which gout patients should not consume in large quantities. The body breaks down purines into uric acid, which can cause painful symptoms in those affected. Gout patients do not have to completely avoid asparagus. As a guideline, about 200 grams on the plate are occasionally recommended. However, purines are not the cause of the typical asparagus urine odor. This is caused by the asparagine acid contained in the vegetable. An enzyme releases the enclosed sulfur-containing compounds, which are then excreted in the urine. Only about 50 percent of people have this enzyme, which is why not everyone perceives the strong urine odor after consuming asparagus.