I DIDN’T KNOW THAT

Question: Why does urine sometimes turn red after eating beets?

Answer: This phenomenon occurs in about 15% of the population and is the result of bacteria in their intestines. Beets contain red and yellow pigments, called betacyanins and betaxanthins. Normally, these pigments are broken down by hydrochloric acid in the stomach and certain bacteria in the intestines. But some people apparently lack the key bacteria and the pigment passes intact into urine, coloring it red. Other people may encounter the phenomenon if they eat certain foods, particularly those containing oxalic acid, with beets. The foods prevent the pigments from being destroyed. Oysters, spinach and rhubarb all have high levels of oxalic acid.