Vegetables That Increase Uric Acid Levels

High-Purine Vegetables to Watch for Uric Acid Management

Uric acid is a waste product which forms when our body breaks down purines. Purines are substances found in various foods and drinks. Generally, uric acid gets dissolved in the blood and passes through the urine, after which it finally exits. However, an excessive presence of uric acid in the body is dangerous. Read on to learn about vegetables which increase uric acid levels.

Vegetables Which Contribute to Uric Acid Levels

Even though vegetables have lower levels of purines than animal products, a few contain higher levels. Here is a list of such vegetables with high purine content:

• Spinach : Spinach is very rich in nutrients, including calcium, iron and vitamins A and K. However, they also contain moderate amounts of purines. For instance, a cup of cooked spinach contains 57 mg of purines for every 100 grams. While the content is not very high, consistent consumption can contribute to large amounts of elevated uric acid levels in individuals.
• Asparagus : This is another nutrient-dense vegetable which contains higher amounts of purine. Asparagus contains 25 mg of purines per 100 g. This vegetable also acts as a mild natural diuretic. It is a condition that reduces the efficiency of the kidneys in excreting uric acid.
• Cauliflower : This vegetable is used in low-carb diets but contains roughly 51 mg of purines for every 100 grams. While this amount is not problematic, people who have a history of kidney stones or gout may need to limit their intake.
• Mushrooms : Even though mushrooms are technically fungi, they are grouped with vegetables in dietary and cooking discussions. They have moderate levels of purine that range from 17 to 92 grams per 100 g serving. There are a few particular types of mushrooms, like portobello and shiitake, that have a high content of purine in them.
• Green Peas : Green peas are another food that, while healthy and packed with vitamins along with fibre, have moderate amounts of purine. For instance, there are 48 mg of purine for every 100 grams. Peas are not generally harmful, but frequent or large servings contribute to uric acid buildup.

Are Vegetable Purines as Harmful as Animal-Based Ones?

Interestingly, there are studies which show that purines from plant sources have a lesser effect on levels of uric acid as compared to those from animal products. This is because plant-based foods have other beneficial compounds like antioxidants, fibre and phytochemicals. They help regulate uric acid levels and reduce inflammation. Therefore, for the majority of people, a moderate intake of purine-rich vegetables does not pose any significant risk.

However, individuals who are already dealing with high uric acid levels and gout or kidney disease need to limit their consumption of the vegetables mentioned in the article. The methods used for cooking also matter. A heavy boiling of vegetables while cooking can reduce the purine content.

While vegetables are necessary for a balanced and nutritious diet, there are some of them which contain moderate amounts of purine and should be avoided. Cooking methods like boiling also contribute to a decrease in the purine content of vegetables. Individuals with serious health conditions need to exercise caution when consuming purine-rich vegetables.