Health Benefits

Rhubarb is now considered to be a superfood. It is very low in calories, which makes it very appealing to those who are looking for healthy food for weight loss. It also has a high level of calcium that supports bone health. Plus, it is rich in fiber, helping to reduce blood cholesterol levels. Rhubarb contains many health properties and some of these properties include:

Promotes weight loss: Rhubarb is one of the vegetables that contain the least calories. 100 g of fresh petioles have only 21 calories. It contains a type of antioxidant called polyphenols including catechins, which are the same chemicals in green tea. Many studies suggest that catechins promote the fat-burning process by speeding up metabolism. In addition, rhubarb is low in glycemic index and high in fiber, which prolongs the sense of fullness, stabilizes blood sugar, and reduces hunger. Fiber also helps with regular bowel function, which is absolutely necessary for healthy weight loss. In addition, rhubarb contains anthraquinones – rhein and emodin, which have laxative properties.

Seaweed is another super food for weight loss.

Powerful Antioxidant Properties: Due to its richness in anthraquinones and Vitamin C, both are potent anti-oxidants, rhubarb is capable of eliminating free radicals in your body. The Antioxidants – lycopene and anthocyanins that give rhubarb a vibrant red color are also powerful antioxidants that can benefit your heart, eyes, and immune system, and they also delay the aging process. Cooked rhubarb supplies a decent amount of lycopene while raw rhubarb lacks lycopene.

To learn more about foods rich in antioxidants, read A Super Charged Anti-aging Diet-Part One.

Anti-cancer Properties: The anthraquinones from rhubarb have anti-cancer properties.^[1] Researchers indicate that anthraquinones not only inhibit the growth of cancer cells but also kill cancer cells. These properties can prevent the occurrence of metastases, which are secondary cancers caused by primary cancer. The rich content of lycopene in cooked rhubarb can delay the inception of lung and oral cavity cancers in those who use carcinogenic agents such as tobacco.^[2]

Want to know about other amazing anti-cancer foods? Check A Super Charged Anti-aging Diet-Part Two

Lowers blood cholesterol: Rhubarb stalk has a high level of fiber and galloyl-ester, which is a cholesterol-inhibiting chemical. Fiber is known to remove excess cholesterol from the walls of your blood vessels and arteries, lowering your blood cholesterol and improving your blood cholesterol profile. Therefore, including rhubarb in your diet will benefit your heart function.

Chia seeds are another amazing food to help improve your blood cholesterol.

Improves vision: Rhubarb stalks also contain polyphenolic flavonoids such as β-carotene, zeaxanthin, and lutein. These compounds are converted into Vitamin A by the human body. Lutein and Vitamin A are powerful natural antioxidants that help maintain the integrity of your skin and eyes. Your skin and eyes are the main organs of your body that are exposed to the environment. Lutein helps neutralize free radicals and delays the aging process. The regular intake of rhubarb stalks helps to delay the onset of various eye diseases.

Stabilizes Blood Clotting: Another important vitamin in rhubarb is Vitamin K. Vitamin K is necessary for normal blood clotting, and it also plays a significant role in brain and neuronal health. Low levels of vitamin K can affect blood coagulation, and also weaken bones and promote calcification of arteries and other soft tissues. Include Vitamin K-rich foods such as rhubarb and green leafy vegetables not only help regulate your blood coagulation but also benefit your bone health.

Improves bone health: Rhubarb provides a good combination of calcium, Vitamin K, and other minerals that help in the formation and strengthening of bones.