What is rhubarb and how is it eaten? Benefits and Harms

Rhubarb plant, It is a vegetable known for its reddish stems and sour taste. It is native to Europe and North America. If in Asia rhubarb root used as a medicinal plant.

It is known for strengthening bones and improving brain health. 

What Is Rhubarb?

This herb is famous for its sour taste and thick stems that are often cooked with sugar. The stems come in different colors, from red to pink to pale green.

This vegetable grows in cold winter conditions. It is found in mountainous and temperate regions around the world, especially in Northeast Asia. It is a garden plant widely grown in North America and Northern Europe.

rhubarb plant

How to Use Rhubarb

It is an unusual vegetable because it has a very sour flavor. For this reason, it can rarely be eaten raw.

In the past, it was used more medicinally, after the 18th century it was started to be cooked with the cheapness of sugar. Actually, dry rhubarb root It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years.

Rhubarb stalk However, it is mostly used in soups, jams, sauces, pies, and cocktails.

Rhubarb Nutritional Value

Rhubarb grassare not rich in essential nutrients but low in calories. Despite this, it is a very good source of vitamin K1, providing about 100–26% of the daily value for vitamin K per 37 grams.

Like other fruits and vegetables, it's high in fiber, providing similar amounts as oranges, apples or celery.

100 gram sugar-baked rhubarb Its serving has the following nutrient content:

Calories: 116

Carbs: 31.2 grams

Fiber: 2 grams

Protein: 0.4 grams

Vitamin K1: 26% of the DV

Calcium: 15% of the DV

Vitamin C: 6% of the DV

Potassium: 3% of the DV

Folate: 1% of the DV

Although this vegetable contains a sufficient amount of calcium, it is mainly in the form of calcium oxalate, the antinutrient form. In this form, the body cannot absorb efficiently.

What Are the Benefits of Rhubarb?

Lowers cholesterol

The stem of the plant is a good source of fiber that can affect cholesterol. In a controlled study, men with high cholesterol levels took 27 grams every day for a month. rhubarb stemThey consumed fiber. Total cholesterol decreased by 8% and LDL (bad) cholesterol by 9%.

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Provides antioxidants

It is a rich source of antioxidants. In one study, the total polyphenol content kalewas found to be even higher than  

Among the antioxidants in this herb, which is responsible for its red color and is thought to provide health benefits. anthocyanins is found. It is also high in proanthocyanidins, also known as concentrated tannins.

Reduces inflammation

RhubarbIt has long been used in Chinese medicine for its healing properties. It is thought to help support healthy skin, improve vision, and prevent cancer. All of this is due to its antioxidant content and powerful role as an anti-inflammatory food.

A study done in China rhubarb powderfound that it was effective in reducing inflammation and improving prognosis in patients with systemic inflammatory reaction syndrome (SIRS), a serious condition that sometimes occurs in response to trauma or infection. 

In the Pakistani Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences Another published work, rhubarb extractIt has been shown to help promote incision healing by reducing inflammation and inhibiting the growth of bacteria..

Relieves constipation

a natural laxative rhubarbcan be used to treat constipation. Studies, rhubarbIt shows that it has anti-diarrheal effects thanks to the tannin it contains. It also contains sennosides, compounds that act as stimulant laxatives.

Rhubarb It also contains high amounts of dietary fiber, which may boost digestive health.

Strengthens bones

This vegetable contains a good amount of vitamin K, which plays a role in bone metabolism and helps prevent osteoporosis. Vitamin K is important for bone formation. One study noted that vitamin K may reduce the risk of fractures.

Rhubarb it is also a good source of calcium (10% of the daily requirement in one cup), another mineral that is very important for bone health.

Improves brain health

RhubarbVitamin K in cedar limits neuronal damage in the brain, and this may be effective in preventing Alzheimer's. According to a research, rhubarb It can help treat inflammation in the brain. This makes it a preventative food against Alzheimer's, stroke and ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis).

Rhubarb helps weight loss

RhubarbIt is known to lower bad cholesterol and can definitely help with weight loss as it is a low calorie food.

It also contains catechins, the same compounds found in green tea that give it its beneficial properties. Catechins are known to speed up metabolism and this helps burn body fat and lose weight.

Rhubarb It's also a good source of fiber, another nutrient important for weight loss.

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Helps fight cancer

Animal studies, rhubarb plantIt has been shown that physcion, a concentrated chemical that gives color to the body of the human body, can kill 48% of cancer cells within 50 hours.

RhubarbThe cancer-fighting properties of garlic are enhanced, especially when cooked – cooking for 20 minutes has been shown to significantly increase its anti-cancer properties.

Can help treat diabetes

Some research, rhubarbIt has been shown that compounds found in the stems can help improve blood sugar levels and even lower cholesterol. The active compound called rapontisin has been found to be beneficial to diabetics.

Protects the heart

a good source of fiber rhubarbIt has been shown to lower cholesterol levels. Rhubarb stalk It was found that consuming fiber reduces bad cholesterol by 9%.

Other studies, rhubarbHe identified active compounds that protect arteries from damage and could otherwise lead to cardiovascular disease. Some sources rhubarbstates that it can lower blood pressure.

It can improve eye health

There is little information on this subject. However, rhubarbContains lutein and vitamin C, both of which are effective for eyesight.

May aid kidney health

A study, rhubarb supplementThis study shows that it may have therapeutic effects in the treatment of 3rd and 4th stage chronic kidney disease.

Ancak rhubarb Since it contains some oxalic acid, it can cause kidney stones or aggravate the condition. Therefore, those with kidney stone problems should consume it carefully.

Relieves PMS symptoms

Researches, rhubarbIt shows that it can relieve hot flashes, and this is especially true for perimenopause. Rhubarb ayrıca phytoestrogens and some research states that these types of foods can help relieve menopausal symptoms.

Skin Benefits of Rhubarb

RhubarbIt is a storehouse of vitamin A. This natural antioxidant helps neutralize free radicals and delays signs of aging (like wrinkles and fine lines). thus rhubarbIt keeps the skin young and radiant by preventing cell damage from free radicals.

RhubarbIt is a natural antibacterial and antifungal agent and helps protect the skin from various infections.

Rhubarb Benefits for Hair

rhubarb rootContains a good dose of oxalic acid, which is known to impart a light brown or blonde color to hair. The presence of oxalic acid makes the hair color last longer and does not damage the scalp. 

Why Does Rhubarb Taste Sour?

RhubarbIt is the most sour-tasting vegetable. It has acidity due to high levels of malic and oxalic acids. Malic acid is one of the most abundant acids in plants and is the cause of the sour taste of many fruits and vegetables.

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How to Store Rhubarb?

fresh rhubarb It spoils quickly, so the way to maximize its shelf life is to store it properly. Ideally, put the stalks in a plastic bag and store them in the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator for up to five days.

Freezing the vegetable is another option if you don't plan to use it soon. Cut the stems into small pieces and place in a sealed, airtight bag. Frozen rhubarb can last up to a year and in most recipes fresh rhubarb can be used instead.

rhubarb root

What Are Rhubarb Harms?

Rhubarb grassIt is one of the foods containing the highest proportion of calcium oxalate, which is commonly found in plants. This substance is particularly abundant in the leaves, but the stems can also be found depending on the variety. oxalate may contain.

Too much calcium oxalate can lead to hyperoxaluria, a serious condition characterized by the accumulation of calcium oxalate crystals in various organs. These crystals can form kidney stones. It can even cause kidney failure.

Not everyone responds in the same way to dietary oxalate. Some people are genetically prone to health problems associated with oxalates. Vitamin B6 deficiency and high vitamin C intake may also increase the risk.

Rhubarb poisoning Although reports are rare, when consumed in moderation and avoided leaves, it's okay. Cooking rhubarb It reduces the oxalate content by 30-87%.

How to Cook Rhubarb

This herb can be eaten in a variety of ways. Usually rhubarb jam It is made and used in desserts. It can also be cooked without any sugar. If you like sour, you can add it to a salad.

As a result;

Rhubarbis a different and unique vegetable. Since it can be high in oxalate, it should not be eaten too much and its stems should be preferred because of its lower oxalate content. If you are prone to kidney stones, stay away from this vegetable.

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