11 health benefits of consuming rhubarb

Read on to know how rhubarb can benefit our health.

Rhubarb is a vegetable that is mostly used as a fruit and tastes quite similar to green apple or has a tart flavor. It is packed with essential vitamins and minerals and is a rich source of polyphenols. Read on to know about some of the health benefits that are offered by rhubarb.

Weight loss. It is a low-calorie vegetable as 100g of rhubarb contains mere 21 calories. So, people on a weight loss diet can easily include this in their daily dietary pattern.

For heart problems. It is extremely low in cholesterol and fats. In fact, it has been studied to increase the level of good or HDL cholesterol in the blood. It also contains a good amount of antioxidants that prevent damage to the heart and maintains heart health.

Digestion. It contains a high amount of dietary fiber, which is beneficial for good digestion and regular bowel movements.

Against Alzheimer’s. It contains the compound rhaponticin, which can protect against Alzheimer’s as it is positively linked to preventing the harmful effects of amyloid beta, which are the peptides of amino acids involved in the formation of plaques present in the brains of patients with Alzheimer’s disease.

For bone health. Vitamin K present in rhubarb stimulates the growth and repair of bones and is highly beneficial for bone health.

Against cancer. It contains anthraquinones, which offer anti-cancer property. Presence of beta-carotene and other polyphenolic compounds such as zeaxanthin and lutein are beneficial to lower the effect of free radicals in the eyes and skin.

Blood circulation. Copper and iron present in rhubarb are beneficial to stimulate the production of red blood cells, oxygenation of RBCs, and improving the overall health.

Diabetes. Rhaponticin present in rhubarb also improves the blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.

Vision. Lutein and vitamin C present in rhubarb is beneficial to maintain good vision.

Skin health. It is rich in vitamin A, which is a vital antioxidant and prevents the sign of aging. Rhubarb also offers antibacterial and antifungal properties which prevent acne and skin infections.

Menopausal symptoms. Rhubarb reduces the symptoms of menopause as it contains phytoestrogens that reduce hot flashes in women.