Content
- 1 Nutritional value and chemical composition of rhubarb
- 2 Why rhubarb is useful for the body
- 3 What rhubarb helps
- 4 Medicinal properties and contraindications of rhubarb root
- 5 Is rhubarb good for weight loss
- 6 The benefits and harms of rhubarb juice
- 7 Benefits of rhubarb flowers
- 8 Limitations and contraindications
- 9 The use of rhubarb in traditional medicine
- 10 The use of rhubarb in cosmetology
- 11 Conclusion
The use of such a plant as rhubarb, the benefits and harms of which have been known for a long time, are under discussion to this day. The culture belongs to the Buckwheat family. It became widespread throughout Asia, from Siberia to Palestine and the Himalayan mountains. The plant is also grown in Europe.
Nutritional value and chemical composition of rhubarb
About 90% of the composition of the stems and leaves of the plant is water, the remaining 10% is carbohydrates, proteins, fats, ash and dietary fiber.
Nutritional value (per 100 g of raw materials):
- carbohydrates - 2.5 g;
- proteins - 0.7 g;
- fats - 0.1 g.
The plant also contains sugar (about 2%) and organic acids (up to 2.3%). Thanks to this, its petioles have an interesting taste with a pronounced acidity, slightly reminiscent of the taste of a green apple.
Vitamin content in rhubarb
Rhubarb stalks contain a huge amount of vitamins and useful microelements in their composition:
Vitamin name | Content in 100 g | % of the daily value |
Potassium | 325 mg | 13% |
Vitamin C | 10 mg | 11,1% |
Calcium | 44 mg | 4,4% |
Magnesium | 17 mg | 4,3% |
Vitamin B9 | 15 mcg | 3,8% |
Vitamin B2 | 0.06 mg | 3,3% |
Iron | 0.6 mg | 3,3% |
Phosphorus | 25 mg | 3,1% |
Vitamin B6 | 0.04 mg | 2% |
Vitamin B5 | 0.08 mg | 1,6% |
Vitamin E | 0.2 mg | 1,3% |
Beta carotene | 0.06 mg | 1,2% |
Vitamin A | 10 mcg | 1,1% |
Vitamin PP | 0.2 mg | 1% |
Vitamin B1 | 0.01 mg | 0,7% |
Sodium | 2 mg | 0,2% |
In terms of the amount of vitamins and nutrients included in the composition, the plant can compete even with apples.
Calorie content of rhubarb
Rhubarb is considered a low-calorie food that is often recommended to eat when losing weight. 100 g of the product contains only about 16 - 20 kcal, which is much lower than the calorie content of celery, dill or parsley.
Why rhubarb is useful for the body
The juicy stems of rhubarb shown in the photo can bring both benefits and harm to the body. However, in the absence of personal contraindications, there are much more useful properties in this plant, the product is equally valuable for both women and men; even children and the elderly can use it.
Is rhubarb good for men
For men seriously involved in sports and improving their physical condition, this product will help in building muscle mass.
The benefits of the plant for older men is to strengthen joints, bones and teeth. The presence of succinic acid in the composition also helps to strengthen the heart muscle in coronary heart disease.
Why rhubarb is good for women
The product is able to bring tremendous benefits to the female body, especially during menopause, accompanied by natural decline in reproductive function, as well as physical and emotional discomfort.A large amount of calcium in the composition will help get rid of nighttime hyperhidrosis, insomnia and mood swings.
Drinking rhubarb powder helps to stabilize the menstrual cycle. Among other things, for a long time, women have been using this plant in home cosmetology for face and body skin care, for nourishing and dyeing hair.
Is rhubarb possible for pregnant women
The product also benefits pregnant women as it contains iron, calcium, magnesium and choline. Choline (Vitamin B4) contributes to the proper development of the baby's brain in the womb. For pregnant women, fresh rhubarb stalks are one of the best sources of this beneficial substance.
Potassium prevents the development of bleeding. Calcium keeps the teeth and bones of pregnant women healthy, and, in addition, it takes part in the formation of the skeleton of the fetus.
Can children eat rhubarb
For the first time, the product can be given to a baby at the age of 10 - 12 months. It is especially useful for children suffering from constipation.
However, it is not recommended to give fresh leaves to children; rhubarb compote will be the best option for a child's body. When the child reaches the age of two years, syrup made from the stems of medicinal rhubarb can also be used as a folk remedy for constipation.
Compote for baby food is prepared as follows:
- It is necessary to peel the petioles, squeeze the juice out of them.
- Mix the juice with boiled water and juice of fruits familiar to the child.
Adding fruit juice will soften the sour taste of this healthy herb, which not all babies like. For the first time, the child is allowed to taste only a few drops of compote, and then his reaction is monitored: if it is positive, then with each intake the portion of the drink is gradually increased.
Despite all the benefits, the high content of acids in the composition can provoke the formation of stones in the kidneys, gallbladder and bladder in a child. For children with gastritis with high acidity, the product can be dangerous, but for children with gastritis with low acidity, on the contrary, it is useful.
What rhubarb helps
Rhubarb is an excellent natural remedy. It is a plant that benefits the entire body. As an adjuvant, it is recommended to use it for diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure and diseases of the cardiovascular system.
With diabetes
Rhubarb is considered a hypoglycemic food. With diabetes, this herb is good because it contains a small amount of proteins, carbohydrates and fats, but on the contrary, there is a lot of water, organic acids and vitamins.
For people with type 2 diabetes, the product is of particular benefit. It helps to lower cholesterol and eliminate toxins and toxins from the body. The foliage of the plant stimulates the secretion of insulin in the pancreas. Xylitol supplements can also lower blood sugar levels.
With oncological diseases
Eating rhubarb is a good prevention of cancer. To get the maximum benefit, it is recommended to consume it pre-baked in the oven for 20 minutes. Baked petioles are characterized by a high concentration of natural substances that can destroy cancer cells. These substances are called polyphenols. Scientists even want to use the plant as a base for new anti-cancer drugs.
With gout
Despite the obvious benefits, in case of gout, this medicinal plant is still recommended to be abandoned.A high concentration of organic acids in the composition can lead to a deterioration in the condition.
From pressure
The plant has long been used to lower blood pressure. The fiber in the herb helps to remove cholesterol deposits from blood vessels and arteries, thereby lowering blood pressure.
For the cardiovascular system
Due to the cleansing of blood vessels from cholesterol with fiber, the use of this product also helps to improve the functioning of the entire cardiovascular system. Iron and copper in the composition normalize blood circulation and activate the production of red blood cells.
Medicinal properties and contraindications of rhubarb root
Typically, rhubarb root matures closer to the fourth year after planting. At the age of six, the plant already accumulates a sufficient supply of nutrients in the roots.
The roots of this culture have a lot of medicinal properties, have a choleretic, astringent, laxative and anti-inflammatory effect on the body.
Rhubarb is famous for its many beneficial properties, but there are also contraindications for its use. It is not recommended to use rhubarb roots for stomach ulcers, intestinal obstruction, bleeding. The use of medicines from this plant can also harm pregnant women.
Benefits of rhubarb root for hepatitis
Due to its choleretic action, the root of this plant is beneficial for hepatitis. Its use helps to normalize the secretion of bile in the liver. To treat this serious ailment, a decoction is most often used, the recipe for which is given below in the article.
With vitiligo
With vitiligo, it is recommended to lubricate the lighter areas on the skin three times a day with fresh juice of rhubarb root. Over time, the juice will help darken these areas. However, it can tighten the skin and cause a dry feeling, so when applied to the face, it is best mixed with nourishing creams or creams.
For constipation
Rhubarb for constipation is useful in that it contains a bitter glycoside that irritates the receptors of the colon, which contributes to its rapid cleansing. An infusion from the root is most often used as a laxative: its recipe is also given in the article. In addition to infusions and decoctions, tablets and powders are often used, which can be purchased at the pharmacy.
Is rhubarb good for weight loss
The plant contains from 16 to 20 kcal in the composition. Many tasty and healthy dishes can be prepared from it. Rhubarb is an excellent base for low-calorie desserts. Thanks to this, it can become an irreplaceable assistant in the formation of a dietary menu.
Benefits of rhubarb for weight loss:
- purgation;
- normalization of metabolism;
- stimulation of the production of gastric juice;
- improving digestion;
- diuretic effect;
- elimination of edema.
The benefits and harms of rhubarb juice
Freshly squeezed rhubarb juice can only benefit the body when consumed in moderation. It contains a huge amount of vitamins and microelements necessary for the body, however, if you consume more than 50-100 ml of juice per day, you can burn the intestinal walls and provoke the development of heartburn.
Benefits of rhubarb flowers
Rhubarb flowers also have useful properties: in China and Tibet, they have long been considered a healing delicacy, but in Russia they are used very rarely. Stems, leaves and roots are used more often in folk medicine.
Limitations and contraindications
Despite all the benefits to humans, rhubarb can be harmful. Contraindications to the use of this plant are:
- stomach ulcer;
- acute appendicitis;
- cholecystitis;
- acute peritonitis;
- exacerbation of hemorrhoids with bleeding;
- the presence of stones in the gall or bladder.
Care should be taken when using rhubarb during pregnancy and lactation. In these cases, it is recommended to introduce the product into the diet only after consulting a doctor.
The use of rhubarb in traditional medicine
Having information about the benefits and dangers of rhubarb, you can start mastering recipes for preparing medicines. In folk medicine, the plant has long been widely used. There are many recipes for folk remedies to help cope with a wide variety of ailments.
The recipe for a decoction used for hepatitis:
- grind 1 tbsp. l. rhubarb root;
- mix with 250 ml of boiling water;
- simmer for about 20 minutes over low heat;
- insist warm for 10 hours;
- strain.
The broth is taken in 1 tbsp. l. three times a day before meals for 2 months. Then you need to take a break of 2 weeks, and then repeat the course again. According to reviews, this recipe for a decoction of rhubarb root for hepatitis has the highest efficiency.
Recipe for infusion for constipation:
- dry and grind rhubarb root;
- 2 tbsp. l. pour boiling water over the resulting mixture;
- insist for 10 - 15 minutes;
- strain.
At night they drink 50 ml of infusion. It is impossible to use the infusion for too long, because over time, the body will begin to get used to its effect, and the medicine will stop working.
In folk medicine, rhubarb tincture with alcohol is also often taken as a prevention of constipation. To prepare it, you must:
- mix 20 g of dry and chopped rhubarb root, 20 g of calamus and 20 g of gentian;
- add 200 ml of 70% medical alcohol;
- insist for 10 days;
- strain.
The tincture is consumed in 1 tbsp. l. 1 time per day after meals.
When using tinctures and decoctions prepared according to these recipes, it is always necessary to evaluate the benefits and potential harm to the body that rhubarb can cause in the presence of certain contraindications.
The use of rhubarb in cosmetology
In addition to caring for the skin of the face and body with vitiligo, the plant in cosmetology is used mainly for dyeing light hair. For this purpose, according to the following recipe, a decoction is prepared:
- Mix 20 - 30 g of dry crushed root in a saucepan with 250 ml of water;
- cook for 15 - 20 minutes, stirring continuously;
- remove from heat, cool.
The resulting broth is used to rinse the hair. You do not need to wash off the product. Reviews of rinsing hair with rhubarb indicate that after the procedure, the hair acquires a delicate straw shade.
Conclusion
One of the best dietary products is rhubarb, the benefits and harms of the stems, leaves and roots of this plant are incomparable. The plant contains a large amount of vitamins and nutrients. It is often used in cooking, folk medicine and cosmetology.
