Rhubarb: what it is and what it is used for

The rhubarb (Rheum rhabarbarum) is a vegetable which is not edible, only its red stem should be used in feed.

Among the vegetable’s main health benefits are: being a digestive tonic, intestinal health regulator and eye health protector. It also makes your bones stronger and your skin prettier.

A curiosity is that even being a type of vegetable, rhubarb is more used in sweet recipes, such as sauces, pies and jellies. That’s because it has a very acidic taste.

Learn more about its benefits and how to make revenue with it. Check it out below.

What to serve or rhubarb?

Rhubarb stalk is rich in minerals such as iron , calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, manganese, selenium, fiber and has only 21 calories per 100 gram serving.

The vegetable also has significant amounts of vitamins A, C, E, K, several of the B complex and vitamin D.

Stimulate digestion

One of rhubarb’s first therapeutic benefits is as a potent all-natural digestive tonic.

Her stalk is rich in phytochemicals responsible for stimulating the release of stomach acid .

Thanks to this, the tea or juice prepared with the vegetable stalks speeds up the digestion process, reducing the swelling and discomfort that are quite common after eating a meal that is too heavy or has not gone down well.

Improve bowel function

Rhubarb is considered a purgative, that is, it works as a natural laxative , helping to treat constipation, lightly and without negative effects.

This action is derived from compounds that act directly on the mucosa, wet tissue of the body, stimulating bowel movements and the discharge of feces.

The stalks are rich in fiber, about 7% of what is indicated for daily consumption per serving, and these nutrients help to carry more water to the intestine, as they are absorbent and non-digestible, thus preventing dryness, which is one of the causes of constipation .

The result is quick relief for problems like constipation and gas.

Detoxify the body

Rhubarb tea or juice is great for detoxifying the body for two reasons.

The first is the cathartic function, that is, to stimulate the elimination of toxins through feces and urine. Vegetable consumption can increase the disposal of things that the body does not need.

Secondly, because the vegetable is able to protect the liver and kidneys, preventing these organs from suffering damage due to the consumption of drugs and other toxins, such as alcohol.

Vegetables keep these organs healthy and functioning properly, making them do their job.

Strengthen bones, muscles and tendons

This strengthening takes place in the long term, which is why it is important that rhubarb is present in the daily menu, and is derived from the presence of minerals such as calcium, potassium and magnesium, essential in maintaining muscle strength and bone density.

The phytochemicals present in vegetables are able to increase the production of some types of enzymes responsible for stimulating the production of cartilage , a type of tissue that protects bones against friction and is essential in the prevention of diseases such as arthritis in the short term.

The result of regular consumption is the reduction of pain caused by rheumatic diseases and also a relief of muscle and bone pain , especially after high-intensity physical exercise.

Reduce and alleviate inflammation symptoms

Drinking tea or juice made from the stalk of this vegetable helps to reduce the symptoms of inflammatory problems by decreasing the production of several enzymes that trigger the problem.

They inhibit the vascularization of the injured area, preventing the appearance of very fine vessels formed to carry more blood, antibodies and inflammatory enzymes to the injury site.

This is a way for the body to fight the invader before it spreads, but it overloads the site, which ends up causing the most common symptoms of inflammatory reactions.

Rhubarb also stimulates the production of a type of defense cell responsible for eliminating what is causing the problem, providing a reduction in pain , swelling and burning .

Protect eye health

Recurring vegetable consumption can also protect long-term eye health. This is because rhubarb is a food with good amounts of vitamin A, essential for the formation of the retina, conjunctiva and cornea . It also favors vision in dark places.

Make the skin more beautiful

The consumption of rhubarb prevents the aging of the skin, leaving it with a healthier and more beautiful appearance and this is due to the large amount of vitamin C found in the stalks.

This nutrient is essential in the production of collagen , a protein that gives the skin firmness and elasticity, and is also responsible for promoting skin whitening , as it is an antioxidant that protects against the action of the sun’s rays and stimulates wound healing.

Easy Rhubarb Recipes

Rhubarb talos cha

Rhubarb can be used to prepare a tea with a very acidic flavor, but it preserves most of the properties of the vegetable, and it is very simple to be made.

To make you just put 1 liter of filtered water and 2 tablespoons of the stem, cut into large cubes, to cook for about 10 minutes.

After this time, turn off the heat, cover and leave it sweltered for more than 10 minutes. When in warm temperature, strain and drink slowly.

There are no contraindications regarding the amount, but it is not necessary to drink more than three cups a day .

Rhubarb suco

Another recipe is rhubarb juice, which is nothing more than an iced tea and a very healthy and refreshing option for the summer.

To prepare, put 600 grams of vegetable stalks, 1 liter of filtered water, take everything to cook for 15 minutes.

Once that’s done, strain the stalks, let the drink cool, then add ice, sugar and drink it cold.

TIP ! Add various fruits, such as strawberries or oranges, to the juice to give the recipe a special touch.

Rhubarb jelly

One of the most common recipes with rhubarb is jelly, which serves as a filling for pies and cakes and is well appreciated in countries where the consumption of the vegetable is more common.

For the jelly you need 500 grams of well-cleaned rhubarb stalks, 250 grams of sugar, which can be refined or crystallized, and the juice of ½ lemon. Cut the vegetable into small pieces and place in a pan together with the sugar and lemon juice.

Cook over medium heat until the stalks are tender, on average 20 minutes, turn off the heat and wait to cool. Store jelly in the refrigerator, in a sterilized glass jar, for up to three months.

Care and contraindications

Even with all these benefits, it is necessary to take some care with the consumption of rhubarb, as some substances in the vegetable can cause failure in the kidney function of people who already have a history.

Vegetables should be eaten cooked, even if lightly, as cooking eliminates most of the toxic compounds found in it. Leaves, on the other hand, should never be consumed, as they are rich in compounds that are toxic to humans.

No contraindications for use in pregnant and lactating women were found, but always consult your doctor before testing any new food.