Rhubarb can be described as a leaf that has a long, fleshy petiole. Though in the botanical sense, it is a vegetable, it is usually treated as a fruit by the consumers. A relative of buckwheat, the fruit has an earthy and acerbic flavor. In fact, the acidity of rhubarb is so high that you need sugar, honey or fruit juice to balance it completely.It is native to western China and is usually cultivated in cold climates. Since rhubarb is mainly used for the purpose of making pies, its plant is often known as ‘pie plant’. Though the fruit is also available in fresh form, it is the frozen variety that is more commonly used. In the following lines, we have provided information on the health and nutrition benefits of eating rhubarb.
Nutritional Value of Rhubarb
Given below is the amount of nutrients in 100 gm of Rhubarb:
- Sodium - 4 mg
- Total Carbohydrates - 5gm
- Dietary Fiber - 2 gm
- Sugars - 1gm
- Protein - 1gm
- Vitamin A - 102 IU
- Vitamin C - 8 mg
- Vitamin E - 0.38 mg
- Vitamin K - 41 mcg
- Thiamin - 0.02 mg
- Riboflavin - 0.03 mg
- Niacin - 0.3 mg
- Vitamin B6 - 0.024 mg
- Folate - 7 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid - 0.085 mcg
- Calcium - 86 mg
- Iron - 0.22 mg
- Magnesium - 12 mg
- Phosphorus - 14 mg
- Potassium - 288 mg
- Sodium - 4 mg
- Zinc - 0.1 mg
- Copper - 0.021 mg
- Manganese - 0.196 mg
- Selenium - 1.1 mcg
- Total Fat - 0.2 mg
Health & Nutrition Benefits of Eating Rhubarb
- Studies have shown that rhubarb has anti-cancer properties and might help in cutting down the risk of cancer.
- Fresh rhubarb stalk is a very good source of dietary fiber and is beneficial for those suffering from indigestion.
- Eating a cold piece of rhubarb stalk can help counterbalance stomach acid and thus, restore health.
- Regular consumption of fresh rhubarb has been seen to have a positive effect on lowering of blood pressure.
- It is believed that regular intake of rhubarb extract can help in diminishing the problem of hot flashes.
- Rhubarb has anti-bacterial properties and when applied topically, can inhibit the problem of staphylococcus aureus.
- Researches have suggested that rhubarb can prove to be beneficial for those suffering from high cholesterol.
- Rhubarb has been found to have anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergy properties.
