diuretic properties of asparagus

[Justin]

It is a well known fact that asparagus contains a lot of potassium. 
Potassium causes water to be lost from the body by drawing it out
through the osmotic tissue barrier.  So, asparagus, eaten in quantity,
without a lot of salt could cause diuresis.  

However, in this country, most people eat asparagus and other vegetables
heavily salted.  Salt, of course, would negate the diuretic properties
of the potassium because salt causes water to be retained in the tissues
behind the osmotic barrier.  

Therefore, the diuretic properties would only be operational if the
person eating the asparagus ate it without much salt, sauce, or butter.

Jordanne Holyoak, botanist and herbalist
jordanh at iquest.net