Rhubarb - benefits and harms to the body, folk recipes. Rhubarb: harms and benefits, delicious recipes for cooking Rhubarb benefits and harms of cooking recipes

It is believed that this wonderful culture came to us from China, like many other cultures with unusual properties. Having carried out a small comparative analysis of the properties of rhubarb, one can be convinced that the benefits from its use are significant.

Rhubarb belongs to the buckwheat family, which has already given us a plant, from the seeds of which nutritious buckwheat porridge is traditionally prepared. Sorrel, which is used to make green vitamin borscht, is no less tasty.

It should be emphasized right away that only the stems of this culture are eaten, although the tops of the plant also do not harm the body. The petioles of the rhubarb culture have a sour-delicate taste.

Many have heard that the benefits of eating them for weight loss and nutrition with vitamins are incomparable to a number of other cultures.

The main substances that rhubarb possesses are found in its petioles:

• a number of vitamins such as B, C, P, E;
• carotenes;
• organic acids (for example, oxalic, malic, succinic, citric);
• catechins, pectins;
• mineral salts.

Speaking about the calorie content of rhubarb, it is worth dwelling on the fact that 100 grams of it contains only 26 kcal, and this does not harm those who care about maintaining weight. On the other hand, the roots are usually seasoned with sugar to counteract their sour taste. Accordingly, rhubarb dishes acquire a slightly different calorie content.

Stimulating and healing properties

Rhubarb prevents cardiovascular diseases due to the biologically active substances it contains. The benefits of its regular consumption are that the heart muscle is strengthened, heart failure is cured, and the likelihood of heart attacks is reduced. Due to the presence of polyphenols, the development of tumors can be prevented.

As a means for losing weight and gaining a balanced weight, another quality of the stems is used - an improvement in digestive processes. At the same time, in small doses, rhubarb recipes are able to have a strengthening effect on the intestines, and already in large doses, on the contrary, a laxative. In short, harm and benefit are in this case nearby, depending on the desired result.

And another wonderful property that rhubarb is endowed with by nature is the stimulation of the immune system and its strengthening. The stems contain a large amount of vitamin C, protect us from colds, prevent the penetration of infections, and keep the body toned.

The benefits of taking vitamin A are in the development of bones, mucous membranes, and skin. Few people know that in terms of magnesium and iron content, the plant surpasses even apples known to everyone.

Cleansing the body, contraindications and anti-inflammatory qualities

It will be interesting for fans of strength training to find out that it is magnesium that helps to build muscle mass, and if so, then there is no harm from eating rhubarb by weightlifters. Another very interesting fact Is the ability of plant roots to eliminate a painful hangover syndrome. Doctors recommend taking it for anemia, tuberculosis and general depletion of the body.

The pectins contained in this culture remove and bind almost any toxins we receive, particles of heavy metals and radionuclides. For weight loss, rhubarb is taken as a means of normalizing metabolism and eliminating the causes of obesity. In some cases, not only petioles, but also plant roots are used as a remedy: from bloating, constipation and other gastrointestinal diseases.

The benefits of applying compresses to fresh wounds have been proven many times over. In such cases, the stems are crushed and mixed with barley flour.

They say that this method can be used to treat any diseases of the skin. After the fractures, a mixture is prepared for the fusion of the limbs, which includes rhubarb root, ink nut, flour and wood mallow. Even the harm caused to us by eye diseases and low vision can be eliminated with regular consumption of the stems.

Let us devote a few words to possible restrictions on the consumption of the plant. The harm from taking rhubarb can be in cases where a person may experience bleeding in the digestive tract, with inflammatory processes in the bladder and kidneys.

It is advisable to limit yourself from cooking dishes from the stems of a plant of the buckwheat family for those who suffer from diabetes, cholecystitis, prone to gout or diarrhea.

Household use

Cooking actively uses rhubarb for a variety of fillings, compotes, jelly, mousse. In addition, they are full of various recipes for preparing appetizers, salads and desserts. Folk cuisine uses stems for making homemade drinks such as kvass, wine, beer, and other homemade products.

To provide yourself with a supply of a wonderful plant for the winter, you need to sort the roots by size and clean them. Pour cold water first and keep for several hours, renewing the water from time to time. Then boil in boiling water for no more than a minute and put it back in cold. Roll the rhubarb over sterilized jars and pour over the syrup. All the benefits of stems are now available on your table!

Rhubarb found wide application in cooking, cosmetology and folk healing. Asian countries and the American people are using the plant on an even larger scale, and this is not surprising. Rhubarb is cultivated for industrial purposes, then it is used for the preparation of medicines, cosmetics, spices. On this soil, many are interested in the beneficial and harmful qualities of the plant. Let's talk about them in more detail.

Rhubarb composition

Most often, the root of the plant is used, which is dried and crushed in advance. About 90% of water is concentrated in rhubarb, which is why it is quickly absorbed after entering the body.

Also, the plant accumulates poly- and monosaccharides, starch, fiber and other dietary fiber, pectin, chrysophane, glycosides.

Rhubarb is one of the record holders among plants, which contain a lot of organic acids. So, we are talking about apple, ascorbic, amber, etc.

The vitamin complex consists of beta-carotene, thiamine, retinol, niacin, riboflavin, tocopherol, vitamins C and K. For the listed enzymes, rhubarb surpasses the notorious currants and apples.

The plant is not deprived of macro- and microelements. Potassium, copper, phosphorus, zinc, calcium, iron, manganese, selenium, magnesium are of particular value.

Many people might think that such an extensive list of chemicals implies a high calorie content. However, this figure is only 13 Kcal. For comparison, greens of a different type (dill, parsley, etc.) have a higher calorie content.

Useful properties of rhubarb

• prevents cerebral hypoxia by feeding neurons;
• lowers blood pressure and does not allow it to rise again;
• heals wounds on the mucous membranes of internal organs;
• strengthens nails, bones and teeth;
• increases the protective functions of the body in the off-season;
• makes up for the lack of valuable substances with vitamin deficiency;
• strengthens the eye muscles, increases visual acuity;
• promotes improved liver function, removes bile;
• facilitates the course of hepatitis;
• restores the skin after burns, psoriasis, and other similar ailments;
• strengthens the immune system, reducing susceptibility to bronchitis, pneumonia, SARS, flu;
• prevents tuberculosis;
• fights tachycardia, bradycardia, arrhythmia;
• used in the treatment of flatulence, dispersion and intestinal atony;
• cleanses the body of toxins, relieves constipation (including chronic)
• effective for inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract;
• increases appetite in adults and children, reducing the likely dystrophy;
• acts as an antispasmodic for pain in the spleen, gallbladder, liver, uterus, kidneys;
• prevents anemia due to a large accumulation of iron;
• helps to recover from heart attacks and strokes;
• reduces the number of heart attacks, restores muscle tone;
• promotes weight loss;
• clears the bladder from neoplasms.

In large quantities, root-based preparations can be dangerous. Therefore, use the petioles in a variety of dishes.

Benefits of rhubarb for men

1. The plant is useful for men of different age categories. It is known that representatives of the strong half of the population often suffer from heart diseases, which develop due to the accumulation of cholesterol in the blood.
2. Rhubarb displays harmful compounds, gently expands blood channels, accelerates blood circulation. Hence, the likelihood of thrombosis, varicose veins, cardiovascular ailments decreases.
3. Men are prone to addictions such as smoking and alcohol. Rhubarb cleanses the body of poisons, quickly removes alcohol during a hangover, and prevents lung cancer.

Benefits of rhubarb for women

1. The plant is great for women. Rhubarb preserves the youthfulness of body tissues and skin in particular. It is useful to eat the seasoning during the menstrual cycle to reduce soreness.
2. Rhubarb increases the regeneration processes of epidermal cells, reducing the number of wrinkles and age spots. The plant is often used to combat hair loss, dandruff, itching, and severe grease.
3. Menopausal women need to take in chopped raw materials to reduce hot flashes. The seasoning also supports vision and prevents cataracts.

Diabetes and gout

1. Rhubarb leaves are effective in treating diabetes. Special enzymes that control the secretion of insulin in the pancreas have a positive effect.
2. Medicines based on rhubarb and xylitol normalize blood glucose levels. Often, diabetes in patients occurs along with disorders of mineral synthesis. As a result, gout or uric acid diathesis occurs.
3. If gout is diagnosed, rhubarb should be consumed in small quantities and with extreme caution. If the norm is not observed, the course of the disease is significantly aggravated by the deposition of oxalic acid in the body.
4. With such ailments, rhubarb can be introduced into the diet in rare cases. Moreover, the product must be combined with other dishes, such as borscht.

Oncology

1. British scientists have found that rhubarb is rich in polyphenols. These enzymes have powerful anti-cancer effects.
2. Studies have shown that when using rhubarb extract in a patient for two days in the body, the number of cancer cells was reduced by 2 times.
3. With a severe form of lung cancer, further development of the disease is blocked after 10 days. Regular consumption of the plant in the usual diet will provide excellent prevention of oncology.

Constipation

1. Rhubarb root powder can help fight chronic constipation. The product is recommended to be taken at night, since the desired effect occurs after 7 hours.
2. Experts recommend using the plant extract alternately with other laxatives. Otherwise, the effect of rhubarb weakens over time.

Hepatitis

1. The use of a plant root at any stage of hepatitis can significantly improve the patient's condition and abandon most of the medications taken.
2. To prepare an effective product, it is necessary to pour 60 gr into a small saucepan. dry chopped rhubarb root. Pour in the raw material with 500 ml. water, turn on the hotplate to minimum.
3. Simmer the product for at least a third of an hour. After that, wait for the broth to cool naturally, strain. The product must be consumed in 30 ml. before a meal, eating 10 gr. honey.

1. Before use, you need to know that not all parts of rhubarb are suitable for consumption or use in medicinal purposes... Aerial stems and leaves are considered poisonous. A similar statement is due to excess oxalic acid, which is harmful to the kidneys.
2. Due to the content of such acid in the root of the plant, it is forbidden to consume the product in large quantities for kidney disease. Rhubarb compotes and preserves don't count.
3. Acids interact with calcium to form stones. Hence, further complications develop with the existing ailment. Rhubarb must be harvested in spring, the plant is dominated by almost harmless malic acid.
4. It is forbidden to use rhubarb in any form for inflammatory processes of the bladder, bleeding of various nature, peritonitis, cholecystitis, pregnancy and rheumatism.

Rhubarb will bring undoubted benefits to the body with strict adherence daily allowance use. Be careful with chronic ailments, the plant can save you from complications or aggravate the situation.

Video: how to properly grow and use rhubarb

Rhubarb belongs to the buckwheat family and looks like a burdock. Only petioles with a sour taste are suitable for consumption. The root system and leaves of the plant are not used for food. Infusions and various decoctions are made from them.

The plant has many useful properties and has a beneficial effect on the body.

• It has a positive effect on brain activity. It is useful for any age, as it promotes the productive work of the brain. It has a positive effect on memory.
• Benefits the digestive system. Having a laxative effect, it helps to cleanse the stomach, stimulate its proper functioning, and also normalize metabolism.
• Strengthens the immune system. Due to the large amount of vitamins, rhubarb is very beneficial for the body and human health.
• An important point for many women is the condition of the hair. The plant is a good medicine to help heal damaged fibers. Hair will quickly recover, become brighter in color and acquire a natural shine.
• Strengthens bones. Calcium, which is part of the composition, helps the joints and teeth become stronger. Significantly reduces the risk of fractures.

Include rhubarb in your diet, which will help improve the condition and function of the body, and relieve many ailments.

If there is a tendency to bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract, acute inflammatory processes in the bladder or kidneys, then rhubarb should not be consumed in large doses.

• hemorrhoids with bleeding;
• cholecystitis;
• diabetes mellitus;
• a tendency to diarrhea;
• gout;
• rheumatism;
• urolithiasis.

The healing properties of rhubarb

V folk medicine it is often advised to use rhubarb.

• Prevents the development of eye diseases.
• With sufficient and regular use of the stems, the number of wrinkles decreases and the skin becomes less prone to aging. Thanks to its bactericidal properties, the development of not only skin infections, but also fungal infections is prevented.
• The plant has laxative properties, so using rhubarb you can not be afraid of the manifestations of gastrointestinal disorders, flatulence and cramps.
• The stems help to thin the blood and prevent it from stagnating in the vessels. Reduces the likelihood of blood clots. By normalizing blood flow, the risk of stroke is minimized.
• The cardiovascular system is significantly improved. And fiber helps to cleanse blood vessels.
• Reduces the risk of developing cancerous tumors, especially in the lungs and mouth. This is due to the fact that the substances that make up the composition prevent cell mutation.

Diseases for which rhubarb helps

Rhubarb is a storehouse of vitamins. The plant contains many mineral compounds. The use of rhubarb is determined by its chemical composition. Ascorbic acid, sugars, pectin substances and organic acids in rhubarb saturate the body with substances necessary for normal life.

If you suffer from constipation or vice versa with soft stools, painful menstruation is tormenting, then the discussed plant, which constricts blood vessels, will help to cope with these ailments. Eating it in small portions, it has a fortifying effect, and with an increase in concentration - a laxative.

Bioactive substances present in the plant prevent cardiovascular diseases. Regular consumption of the roots can help cure heart failure and reduce the risk of stroke, as well as strengthen myocardial muscle.

The main quality is improved digestion. Thanks to ascorbic acid, it prevents infectious infections, thereby helping to avoid colds, keep the body in good shape and postpone the onset of old age.

Doctors often prescribe rhubarb to help normalize sleep and strengthen the nervous system. The plant is rich in polyphenols that help prevent cancer and benign tumors.

Thus, in addition to the above, the plant helps to treat:

• inflammation of the stomach and intestines;
• gallbladder disease;
• anemia;
• haemorrhoids;
• exhaustion;
• tuberculosis;
• diabetes;
• liver disease;
• obesity;
• cracks in the rectum;
• constipation and stool disorders;
• a cold;
• hangover syndrome.

Traditional medicine recipes

The dried and grated root, diluted with a small amount of vinegar, helps to cure skin diseases. To get rid of constipation, take one large spoonful of powder before bed, but be careful, this remedy cannot be used often, it is addictive.

You can prepare a tincture from the plant. To do this, pour the roots (180 g) with alcohol (190 ml). Insist half a month. Then strain. A reddish-transparent liquid will come out, which has a bitter taste. Take a small spoonful before meals - this will help increase your appetite.

Tuberculosis, anemia, poisoning

Ingredients:

• water - 240 ml;
• rhubarb root - 1 tbsp spoon.

Preparation:

1. Cold water is used for cooking. Place the root. Leave it overnight. Boil and simmer for three minutes.
2. It is taken three times a day. One-time norm 75 ml.

Laxative

Ingredients:

• rhubarb powder - 20 g;
• boiling water - 210 ml.

Preparation:

1. Cover rhubarb with water. Boil for eight minutes. Refrigerate.
2. To achieve a laxative effect, drink a mug of broth before bedtime.

Useful properties in cosmetology

Rhubarb root is suitable for cosmetology. The stems are rarely used. Suitable mainly for hair dyeing.

For this, the washed hair is moistened with a decoction. Apply with a cotton swab. Tie the hair with a plastic kerchief, and on top with a towel and stand for two hours. To paint over gray hair, repeat the procedure several times a day.

Blond hair will take on a straw yellow tint.

Helps to whiten skin and get rid of freckles. To do this, prepare a mixture of rhubarb juice and kefir. Take products in equal proportions. Apply to skin and let stand for a quarter of an hour. Then rinse with cold water.

Use during pregnancy

The plant is safe and helps expectant mother better to endure pregnancy.

• If high blood pressure occurs during pregnancy, then rhubarb stalks are a lifesaver. Hypertension causes a baby to underweight due to poor nutrition through the placenta. The plant helps to stabilize blood pressure.
• Rhubarb contains a lot of vitamin K, which can prevent cerebral hemorrhage in the fetus at the time of birth.
• When consumed, cholesterol levels are reduced, which is very important during pregnancy.
• Helps to form the child's musculoskeletal system. Strengthens mom's teeth and prevents calcium from being washed out.

Why rhubarb is useful in weight loss diets

Adding plants to salads allows you to preserve a maximum of vitamins and useful properties, and helps to lose weight.

Thanks to the effective removal of toxins by the plant, the normalization of the water balance, the improvement of intestinal motility and the elimination of toxins from the body, it helps to successfully fight extra pounds. Rhubarb is believed to reduce appetite.

Use the stems not only for salads, but also in soups and appetizers.

Rhubarb root for hepatitis

With this disease, a decoction from the roots of the plant helps well.

Ingredients:

• rhubarb root - 4 tbsp spoons;
• water - 970 ml.

Preparation:

1. Pour boiling water over the powder from the plant. Put on the stove and cook for half an hour. Cover with a blanket and leave for eight hours. Take cheesecloth and strain the solution.
2. Take three times a day (1 tbsp. Spoon) and be sure to eat honey (1 tsp. Spoon). Treatment is carried out within a month. For children, a single serving is reduced to a teaspoon.

Contraindications and possible harm

Rhubarb is not good for everyone. For some diseases, it is necessary to regulate the use of the plant or completely abandon it.

Cannot be used with:

• heartburn;
• kidney stones;
• acute appendicitis;
• rheumatism;
• bleeding tendency;
• gout;
• gastritis and allergic reactions.

Do not use foods with the plant that contain oxalic acid and are highly acidic: sorrel, lemon and the like. This will have a detrimental effect on the stomach, exacerbate the disease.

Rhubarb is a perennial plant with thick, red stems and large, wide, burdock-like leaves that can be found in gardens and in the wild. There are about 30 species of this plant, several of them grow in China and Tibet and reach a height of about 2 meters, their root has medicinal properties... In Russia, wavy rhubarb is most often found in household plots, and this species is cold-resistant and therefore is cultivated even in the northern regions of our country.

The stems of the plant are used for food; they are harvested until mid-July. The thinner the stem, the softer and more tender it is. By the way, that is why gardeners - lovers of rhubarb plant it in shaded places so that the plant “reaches for the sun”, due to which its stems grow long and thin. The dense red skin that covers them is peeled before cooking. Leaves are rarely eaten and only when young.

Compote and jam are made from rhubarb stalks, candied fruits, pie fillings, wine and kvass are made. Young leaves are sometimes used for salads and soups. The root of medicinal varieties of the plant has medicinal properties, it is dried, crushed, and then decoctions and infusions are prepared for the treatment of various diseases.

Rhubarb dishes have a positive effect on work digestive system.

The stems of the plant have a pronounced sour taste due to the high content of organic acids (malic, citric and oxalic), they contain vitamins C, E and beta-carotene, mineral salts, tannins, etc.

Many are sure that the sour the taste of vegetables and fruits, the more vitamin C they contain and the more useful they are for the immune system, but this is not always the case. Of course, rhubarb is useful for strengthening the body's defenses, but you should not place high hopes on it, since it is inferior to many plant products in terms of the content of ascorbic acid.

For diseases of the cardiovascular system, the stems of this plant are considered very useful due to the high content of organic acids. They help cleanse blood vessels from, thin the blood and improve the condition of the capillary walls.

Juicy rhubarb stalks and juice from them are an excellent hangover cure, they can replace which is recommended for use in such situations. They contain substances that help the body to restore the balance of vitamins and minerals disturbed by alcohol consumption.

Impact on digestion

I would like to separately note the influence of this plant on the work of the digestive system. Fresh rhubarb, compotes, jelly and other dishes made from it are useful for the digestive system. It stimulates appetite, the production of hydrochloric acid, pancreatic juice and bile, due to which food is better digested, nutrients are broken down and absorbed.

Organic acids, which are rich in stems and leaves of rhubarb, inhibit the growth of pathogenic microflora in the intestines. The plant is rich in fiber, which stimulates intestinal motility and is used by beneficial bacteria for their vital functions. The use of rhubarb is useful for intestinal atony and other diseases in which the motility of the digestive tract is impaired. Dietary fiber, which rhubarb is rich in, cleanse the intestines of harmful substances, they remove toxic decomposition products of proteins, fats, heavy metal salts and even.

Rhubarb is worth paying attention to people on diets for. By adding it to salads for the entire period of collecting the stems, you can throw off a couple of extra pounds, 100 g of peeled pulp contains only 21 kcal. But you should not get carried away with pies, compotes and jelly with rhubarb, since a lot of sugar is usually added to them.

The healing properties of the root

Initially, rhubarb was a medicinal plant, it was specially grown in China and Tibet, the root of the plant was used for medicinal purposes, which sometimes reached truly gigantic sizes.
Recipes for medicinal products have been known in the East for more than 4500 years, they are still used for fever and diseases of the digestive system. On the basis of the root of the plant, dietary supplements and medicines are made. The root of wavy rhubarb and other varieties, which are most often grown for human consumption, does not possess such medicinal properties.

The main properties of the underground part of the medicinal varieties of rhubarb are anti-inflammatory, choleretic and astringent. That is why it is recommended to take a decoction from dried crushed root for, and other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Chinese medicine recommends taking medications from rhubarb root for diseases of the liver and gallbladder, but if it is present, this drug can only be taken as directed by a doctor.

Rhubarb harm

The aerial part of this plant is collected and eaten until mid-July, after which the stems and leaves grow old, and the amount of oxalic acid begins to increase in them. Old coarse stems of a plant contain no less of this substance than that which has "gone" in color. Excess oxalic acid can bind with other substances, resulting in kidney stones.

You can not use fresh stalks of rhubarb with exacerbation of inflammatory diseases of the digestive system and increased acidity of gastric juice. People suffering from cholelithiasis should be especially careful, since eating rhubarb stimulates the secretion and outflow of bile.

Overuse of this herb can cause diarrhea and stomach pain.

Channel One, video about the benefits and use of rhubarb:

Discovery Channel, What It's Made Of, Rhubarb theme:

Rhubarb is by no means the most famous delicacy, but in those regions where you can get it, it enjoys considerable popularity. It is an early perennial plant with an edible stem that contains many vitamins and minerals. It is also noteworthy that the leaves and roots of rhubarb are considered poisonous and are not eaten. As a rule, plant stems are added to compotes, jams, preserves and other desserts.

Why is rhubarb compote useful?

Rhubarb stalks are rich in useful acids (especially citric and malic acid), carotene, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium and, B, C, as well as rare vitamin K. In addition, it can be called dietary, because 100 g of the product accounts for only 16 kcal Compotes with it, depending on the amount of sugar in the composition, have a caloric content of 30 to 60 kcal on average.

The benefits of rhubarb compote are associated with its richness in components important for the human body, thanks to which it has a mild but powerful effect on some body systems. For example:

• rhubarb compote is able to normalize fever;
• it is known that rhubarb helps to cope with constipation and normalize intestinal activity due to its natural laxative effect;
• the use of rhubarb compote allows you to improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract as a whole;
• it is known that drinks with this plant also give antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effect, due to which, when consumed, it will be faster to defeat seasonal colds;
• for people with liver and gallbladder problems, rhubarb can be used as a choleretic agent;
• regular consumption of rhubarb compote enhances natural.

Rhubarb compote has a multifaceted healing effect... These properties have been scientifically proven, and various preparations based on this plant are currently sold in pharmacies. It should be borne in mind that during pregnancy, rhubarb should be consumed in a limited manner, as well as in diabetes, gout, peritonitis, inflammatory processes and any kind of bleeding.

How to make rhubarb compote?

It is very simple to prepare rhubarb compote, full of useful properties, and this process will take very little time. By consuming such a drink instead of purchased juices, you can significantly improve your health.

Rhubarb compote

Ingredients:

• rhubarb - 800 g;
• honey - 3 tablespoons;
• sugar - 150 g;
• water - 1.5 l.

Preparation

Cut the pre-washed rhubarb into small pieces and soak in cold water for 15 to 20 minutes. At this time, prepare the syrup by mixing the water and sugar and bringing it to a boil. Drain the water from the rhubarb, and put the rhubarb in boiling syrup and boil for 7-8 minutes until soft. Add honey to the already cooled compote (optional).

Video: KIZIL USE AND HARM | dogwood compote, dogwood for hemorrhoids, dogwood jam recipe