Some of the health benefits of rhubarb include its ability to aid weight loss, improve digestion, prevent Alzheimer’s disease, stimulate bone growth, avoid neuronal damage, increase skin health, prevent cancer, optimize metabolism, improve circulation, and protect against various cardiovascular conditions.
Rhubarb is a strange-looking plant with a very interesting history, and belongs to the Polygonaceae family of plants. It is widely considered as a vegetable, but in America, it is considered a fruit, since it is mainly used as a fruit in culinary practices. Scientifically, they are herbaceous perennials with leaves growing off the top of a thick rhizome. The leaf stalks are actually the most commonly used parts of rhubarb, sometimes as a dessert or an ingredient in sweet dishes.
- Vitamin ANecessary for the function of the four sense organs: hearing, vision, smell and taste. Necessary for the development of healthy muscles, bones, tooth enamel, skin, hair.
- Vitamin B1Has a positive effect on digestive organ function, promotes stomach movement and secretory function and accelerates the emptying of its contents, normalizes heart function.
- Vitamin B2Plays an important role in the “burning” of carbohydrates, fat and protein. Promotes a more complete breakdown of carbohydrates. The need for this vitamin highly increases with a fatty diet.
- Vitamin B5One of the best slimming and anti-aging substances. Maintains heart function and improves concentration ability. Strengthens hair and prevents premature greying.
- Vitamin B6Has a positive effect on the metabolism, stimulates the formation of red blood cells and haemoglobin. An average of 110 disease stem from a lack of this vitamin.
- Vitamin B9Improves circulation, prevents anaemia and leukaemia. This vitamin is very necessary for pregnant women. Vitamin B9 is effective in cases of stomach and gastro-intestinal tract inflammations.
- Vitamin CStabilizes the psyche and strengthens the immune system. Blocks the formation of toxic compounds in the body, contributes to bone and cartilage formation, takes an active part in the metabolism of protein, sugar and fat.
- Vitamin EAn important antioxidant. Vitamin E helps the body eliminate various harmful substances that result from metabolic processes and can harm the body’s cells.
- Vitamin PP“Healer” of the nerve cells and system. Maintains heart function, regulates cholesterol level. Vitamin PP improves pancreatic secretion and juice content, normalizes liver function.
- Vitamin KNecessary for proper blood clotting, faster healing of wounds, the normal function of the body’s cells and bones.
- Vitamin FAn important antioxidant. Vitamin E helps the body eliminate various harmful substances that result from metabolic processes and can harm the body’s cells.
- Vitamin LLycopene is a powerful antioxidant that may help protect cells from damage.
- Vitamin LuGood nutrition is important to keep your eyes healthy and functioning their best throughout your lifetime.
- D calciferolResponsible for normal bone and tooth development. Promotes the absorption of calcium and phosphorus. Vitamin D protects the body from various types of cancer.
- Fe IronResponsible for normal bone and tooth development. Promotes the absorption of calcium and phosphorus. Vitamin D protects the body from various types of cancer.
- Mg magnesiumStrengthens the heart and kidneys, promotes and regulates metabolic processes, regulates calcium, phosphorus and potassium levels in the blood. A particularly important element for athletes and physical workers.
- B boronReduces the risk of rheumatism and osteoporosis. Important in the regulation of the thyroid. Contributes to the absorption of vitamin D, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and silicon.
- Na sodiumAn important substance for muscle and nerve cell function, regulates stomach acid levels and the amount of fluid in the body’s cells.
- K potassiumContributes to heart muscle activity, strengthens the nervous system, stimulates kidney function. Necessary in the release of insulin from the pancreas.
- Zn zincHas a positive impact on wound healing and tissue elasticity, promotes the formation of insulin and enzyme function, regulates carbohydrate processing and body growth. Stimulates the immune system.
- Cu copperRequired in red blood cell formation. Helps prevent depression and low moods.
- Mn manganeseStrengthens the immune system, promotes bone and hormone formation and blood-forming processes. Participates in cholesterol synthesis and antioxidant processes.
- Se seleniumAntioxidant. Strengthens immunity, reduces the risk of heart disease, stabilizes the nervous system and the endocrine system. Improves skin, hair and nails.
- Cu copperRequired in red blood cell formation. Helps prevent depression and low moods.
- P phosphorusSupplies the body with energy, participates in building bones and teeth, regulates calcium levels in the blood and metabolic processes.
- J iodineOne of the thyroid hormone creators, improves dry skin and hair conditions, promotes growth processes, ensures mental well-being.
- Mo molybdenumMaintains iron reserves in the liver. Has an important role in the normal functioning of specific enzymes.
- F linoleic acid, linolenic acidPromotes fat absorption, since it contributes to the breakdown of cholesterol and its elimination from the body. Prevents sclerosis.
- G Gamma Linolenic AcidGamma linolenic acid is an omega-6 fatty acid, which the body can convert to substances that reduce inflammation and cell growth.
- citric aciddCitric acid removes toxins from the body, dissolves salts, improves digestive function and vision. Important in the prevention and treatment of gallstones.
- malic acidUsed in medicine as a remedy for hoarseness.
- quinic acidImportant in the prevention and treatment of gallstones.
- pectinEliminates toxins from the body. Ensures a bactericidal and anti-inflammatory effect. Prevents cholesterol accumulating in the body. Prevents gallstone formation.
- succinic acidStrengthens the immune system, improves organ and nervous system function, stimulates insulin secretion, neutralizes harmful substances, ensures the elasticity of blood vessel walls.
- chlorogenic acidRegulates central nervous system function. Useful for the prevention of oncological diseases. Stimulates bile secretion and removal. Has a spasmolitic and anti-inflammatory effect.
- quinic acidImportant in the prevention and treatment of gallstones.
- coumarinNormalizes blood-forming processes, reduces prothrombin levels. Important role in preventing strokes, since it normalizes blood clotting by preventing blood clots from forming.
- flavonoidsStrong antioxidants. Anti-allergic, anti-asthmatic, anti-inflammatory and antifebrile effect. Protect nerve cells from harmful stimuli.
- phenolic acidAntiseptic, antithrombotic, antiviral, antitumor and antioxidant effect. Improves renal function and stimulates their antitoxic function. Stimulates bile secretion and removal.
- phytoncidesPhytoncides are the most “aggressive” nutrients, since they actively eliminate pathogens – microorganisms.
- serotoninOne of the most powerful mood, appetite, sleep ain pain sensitivity determinants in the body.
- sterolsSlow down the absorption of cholesterol, protect against liver dystrophy and help fight atherosclerosis.
- ursolic acidnHelps normalize the metabolism. Very strong anti-inflammatory effect encourages wound healing and ulcer removal. The Large Cranberry’s skin contains 10% ursolic acid.
- leucoantociansPrevent the growth of pathological oncological cells and are effective after radiation therapy. Antitumor effect.
- hippuric acidProtects against the development of urinary tract infections and kidney stone formation; used in the prevention and treatment of these diseases.
- benzoic acidBenzoic acid allows the berry to be stored for longer while retaining its nutritional benefits, without the use of preservatives or additional treatment. Has an anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory effect.
One of the main reasons why people cultivate and eat rhubarb is actually for its astounding nutritional value. Rhubarb is packed with minerals, vitamins, organic compounds, and other nutrients that make it ideal for keeping our bodies healthy. Some of these precious components are dietary fiber, protein, vitamin C, vitamin K, B complex vitamins, calcium, potassium, manganese, and magnesium. In terms of organic compounds, rhubarb is a rich source of polyphenolic flavonoids like beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin, Now, let’s see how those components add up to the long list of health benefits that rhubarb can impart!