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What is Rhubarb?
Rhubarb is a unique kind of looking plant that has a very interesting history and does also belong to the Polygonaceae family of plants. It is also widely considered as a vegetable, but in the US, it is in fact accepted as fruit mainly made use of as a fruit for culinary purposes. Scientifically, they are herbaceous perennials. The leaf stalks are actually the most commonly made use of parts of the rhubarb, sometimes as a dessert or as an ingredient in sweet dishes.
These are cultivated all throughout the year in different parts of the world and are widely available in almost any of the season.
They initially were found in the United Kingdom approximately 400 years ago, and have also become highly prized for their rather special flavor and also sweet taste that does complement a number of other sweet fruits for pies, cakes as well as juices.
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Nutritional Value of Rhubarb
Rhubarb contains a lot of minerals, vitamins, organic compounds, and other nutrients that do make it ideal for keeping one’s bodies healthy. Some of these precious components are dietary fiber, protein, vitamin C, vitamin K, B complex vitamins, calcium, potassium, manganese, and magnesium. It is also a rich source of polyphenolic flavonoids such as beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin
Promotes Weight Loss
Rhubarb is accepted as one of the lowest based caloric vegetable available in the market and is recommended for people who are also struggling to lose weight. It increases the rate of metabolism.
Treats Cardiovascular Diseases
Rhubarb is also extremely low in fat as well as cholesterol and therefore is not considered bad for the heart. It can actually increase the levels of good cholesterol on account of dietary fiber, which gets rid of excess cholesterol from our body system’s walls of blood vessels as well as the arteries. A large number of antioxidants in rhubarb does ensure that free radicals do not lead to heart disease and a wide range of other dangerous health conditions.
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Aids Digestion
Our digestive system does play a huge part in one’s overall health, so it is essential to keep the digestive system healthy as well as regulated. A large amount of dietary fiber which is available in rhubarb can also guarantee a healthy digestive system by bulking up the stool and also making sure that the bowel movements are rather smooth and regular. Rhubarb has also been used to treat constipation. By treating constipation and other digestive issues, one can prevent a wide range of more serious gastrointestinal disorders that include bloating, cramping, as well as colorectal cancer.
Prevents Alzheimer’s
Vitamin K present in Rhubarb helps in brain functioning as well as neuronal health. It can, of course, prevent the oxidation of brain cells and also stimulate cognitive activity, thus helping the delay or even preventing the onset of Alzheimer’s.
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Improves Bone Health
Rhubarb also protects the brain from neural degeneration and as it contains Vitamin K it also promotes osteotropic activity; in other words, it stimulates bone growth and repair. As it has a large amount of calcium and other minerals, the vegetable aids in bone protection.
Calcium
Our diet must include lots of calcium for good bones as well as teeth. Having adequate stores of calcium will also help in the prevention of softening of the bones as well as bone and tooth loss.
Lutein
Rhubarb happens to be rich in Lutein which is good for the eyes and skin. Eyes are much exposed to the bad environment. Lutein neutralizes free radicals which lead to cancer.
Vitamin K
This helps in clotting one’s blood when one is hurt. One must avoid its deficiency.
Rhubarb as a vegetable contains a lot of healthy nutrients to keep good health.