"Asparagus + Pee Make Scientists Go Wild—Here’s the Weird Reason!

Sun, 19 Apr 2026 21:07:43 +0000

Asparagus and Pee: The Weird Science Behind When Your Urine Turns Green Have you ever savored a tender serving of asparagus, only to watch your pee temporarily turn vivid green or yellow? For decades, the quirky connection between asparagus and unusual urine color has fascinated both kitchen enthusiasts and curious scientists. While the green hue is harmless—and even scientifically explained—why does eating asparagus trigger such a peculiar reaction? The Ade Quinone Mystery: The Science Behind the Green Urine It all comes down to asparagus’s unusual amino acid composition. Asparagus is rich in asparagine, a natural amino acid that breaks down into asparagusic acid during digestion. This compound is metabolized by gut bacteria into smaller molecules, most notably 4-methylphenol—a chemical responsible for the distinct yellow-green tinge in urine.