how do i reach ANDREA that nutrition lady that was on TOP CHEF show re:ASPARAGUS ?

Question

OK so I'm trying to combine 2 questions ! Andrea Beaman was a contestant on this past season of TOP CHEF on Bravo !
She probably can answer my questions about asparagus !
Or maybe you can : and may I add...I love asparagus
Why is it good for me ?
What does it do for your body ?
and of course , what I am really curious about is....well...what's the deal with the urine odor after eating it ?
Is there something about asparagas that makes your body expell something gross,?
Is this process good for you?
Can I eat too much asparagus?

Are there any other Nutritionalists that know these answers?

NOT A JOKE QUESTION--I REALLY WANT TO KNOW !

Answer 1

Hmm, Five hours and no answers?? Ok, I'll tackle at least some of your questions..

Since Bravo ran Top Chef I'd contact them about Andrea (there was a forum there for the show-dunno if it's still up).

Asparagus is full of vitamins and minerals and fiber (and it's yummy!).
Search the USDA site for more info than you ever wanted about asparagus>

What's the deal about the odor? Just the way your body gets rid of some of the flavor compounds (artichokes can do it also). And I suppose the process of getting rid of the compounds is good for you.
I don't think it's possible to overdose on asparagus.

And since we're on the subject...Here's a prank I pulled on a dorm in college. It will make everyone think they are urinating diarhea(sp.)! Really horrible smelling brown urine.

You need a bushel basket of Asparagus and a *large* stockpot.
Mince the asparagus and place in the pot with enough water to cover. Bring to a full rolling boil and cook until the asparagus totally breaks down into mush, stirring and adding water as needed to prevent the "goo layer" from burning (this will take 8-10 hours). After you hit the mush stage allow the "goo" to cool enough so that you can safely strain the "goo" out of the liquid. Return the liquid to a boil and cook it down until thick. Add the cooled thick liquid to a vat of typical dorm room grape punch and enjoy the line at the campus clinic the next morning!
P.S. the look on the face of the medical staff is priceless and makes the expense and labor worth it!!!