Asparagus contains a sulfur compound called mercaptan. When your digestive tract breaks down this substance, by-products are released that cause the funny scent. The process is so quick that your urine can develop the distinctive smell within 15 to 30 minutes of eating asparagus. So basically it's the result of a simple chemical reaction.
Don’t let the smell get to you! Asparagus is an excellent source of folic acid A, B, and C vitamin, contains 3 grams of fiber per 3.5-ounce serving and has health-enhancing plant chemicals, or phytonutrients, that protect against disease.
Not everyone has this experience. Few people appear to have the gene for the enzyme that breaks down mercaptan into its more pungent parts. If you’re not offended ever by this odor, maybe you’re one of these lucky people?
