What Is Rhubarb? 5 Surprising Benefits of the Herb

The rhubarb plant, whose homeland in the Far East, is a well-known and preferred plant all over the world. In our country, only the ray type of this plant grows in the Eastern Anatolia Region. Thanks to the vitamins and minerals it contains, rhubarb has healing effects. Dr. It is also recommended by Canan Karatay. This plant, which looks like asparagus in appearance, has a sour taste.

What Is Rhubarb?

• The rhubarb plant began to make its name known thanks to its healing effects.
• This plant is also known as rhubarb. It is also known by the names of rhubarb grass, mountain banana, ravens-i turkey, ravendiyye, virgin, rheum, and rhubarb in different regions.
• It is a member of the buckwheat family.
• It is a perennial plant.
• Its appearance is reminiscent of asparagus.
• It can grow up to 1-2 meters in length.
• It does not bloom in the first 3-4 years. During this time, it transfers all its power to its roots. In this way, it is possible to say that it is a very strong plant.
• Its leaves are green and its stem is pink or red.
• Its flowers are fragrant. Its leaves are like elephant ears.
• Its leaves contain toxic acids and substances. Therefore, the leaves should never be consumed. Rhubarb root and stem can be consumed safely.
• It has a sour taste. It is even possible to say that it tastes like kiwi.
• Many people know this plant as a fruit, but according to the literature, it is in the vegetable class.
• Rhubarb can be easily grown in the home environment if desired.
• This plant, which is very popular abroad, especially in the Far East countries, is used in many areas.
• It is used in the cosmetics industry by removing the water.
• The root and stem are edible.
• The juice can be squeezed and drunk.
• The flowers are used to make drinks.

5 Surprising Benefits of Rhubarb Plant

Thanks to the vitamins, minerals, and components it contains, this plant is an extremely beneficial food for health. It is rich in protein, fiber, folate, potassium, magnesium, calcium, manganese, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, selenium, copper, zinc, phosphorus, iron, pantothenic acid, and vitamins A, B group vitamins, C and K.

• 100 grams of the rhubarb plant is only 21 kcal calories.
• This plant is rich in water.
• There are approximately 94 grams of water per 100 grams.
• The same amount of rhubarb grass; approximately 5 g carbohydrates, 2 g fiber, 1 g sugar, 1 g protein, 4 mg sodium, 288 g potassium, 86 mg calcium, 102 IU vitamin A, 8 mg vitamin C, 29 mg vitamin K, 7 micrograms folate, 14 mg phosphorus, contains 12 mg of magnesium.

Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of the rhubarb plant. Here are the benefits of rhubarb root:

1) Rich in Vitamin C

• This medicinal plant is rich in vitamin C and is a powerful antioxidant thanks to this feature. However, rhubarb is a plant with high nutritional value thanks to the nutrients it contains. In this way, it gives energy to the body.
• It strengthens the immune system by supporting it.
• It cleanses the body of toxins.
• By fighting free radicals, it protects the body against diseases that pave the way for autoimmune and cancer diseases.
• It is skin-friendly. It reduces the signs of premature aging.
• It is effective against winter diseases.

2) Protective Against Cancer

• Rhubarb contains a substance called polyphenol, which is found in many red vegetables.
• According to some studies conducted in England; Thanks to this feature, rhubarb has a protective feature against cancer. This substance prevents cancer cells from multiplying.
• However, in order to benefit from this feature of rhubarb, it is necessary to cook it. Because the polyphenol substance only comes out when the rhubarb plant is cooked.

3) Improves Stomach and Intestinal Functions

• Rhubarb regulates and improves stomach and intestinal functions when used in small amounts.
• However, if consumed in excessive amounts, it creates a laxative effect.
• It is effective against indigestion problems. It eliminates problems such as constipation and gas.
• If consumed in appropriate amounts, it is good for problems such as vomiting and diarrhea.

4) Suitable for Diabetics

• Rhubarb is known to regulate blood sugar.
• Thanks to this feature, we can say that it is one of the vegetables that diabetes patients can safely consume.

5) Skin Friendly

• This plant is a skin-friendly food thanks to the vitamins A, B, and C it contains.
• It is effective against problems such as eczema, burns, and skin wounds.
• It helps the skin to have a lively, healthy, and bright appearance.
• It delays the signs of aging.
• It is effective against sunspots that occur during pregnancy and when exposed to the sun for a long time without protection.
• When used regularly, it clears acne in a very short time.

Other benefits of the rhubarb plant can be summarized as follows:

• Thanks to the vitamin K it contains, it has positive effects on brain health. It strengthens memory. It reduces the risk of developing forgetfulness-related disorders such as Alzheimer’s.
• Since it is low in calories, it does not add extra calories to the body. It also supports the slimming process as it creates a feeling of satiety.
• It accelerates metabolism.
• It helps to lower bad cholesterol.
• It has aphrodisiac properties.
• It cleans the blood.

Where Does Rhubarb Grow?

• The homeland of the rhubarb plant is the Far East.
• In our country, it grows only in the Anatolian Region 
• Only rhubarb species grow in Turkey. This species is also known as Uçkun in some regions.
• This plant is widely used in Europe, especially in Germany and England.