Rhubarb: benefit and harm, how to use it properly, what is useful is a jelly from this plant
One of the earliest perennials is the rhubarb. He refers to the family buckwheat, has direct above-ground stems and large leaves. About its useful properties have learned for a long time. It grows rhubarb in Asia, Europe, and its homeland is Tibet.
Knowing the benefits of rhubarb, you will include it in your diet more often.
An edible plant stem is considered to have an acidic and delicate shade. It successfully replaces apples, spinach, is used in the preparation of jam, stuffing for pies. The root is used for medical purposes.
The use of the plant
Rhubarb is composed of 93% water, the rest is carbohydrates, proteins, fiber, ashes. Vitamins plant contains the following: group B, folic acid, A, C, K, E. And micronutrients iron, manganese, copper, selenium, zinc make up the benefit of the plant. Also in the composition there is potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and a little sodium.
Folic acid stabilizes the structure of DNA, is responsible for the function of hematopoiesis. Prevents the transformation of healthy cells into cancerous cells, so the plant is often used to prevent cancer. And chrysarobin helps with psoriasis.
The substance of chrysophane is found in the root of rhubarb. When ingested, it irritates its walls, provoking emptying and improving peristalsis. The laxative properties of the rhubarb root have been seen since ancient times and have been used as a medicine.
Rhubarb has a low calorie content of 16 kcal, which is why it is safe to eat people who are on diets that are overweight or obese.
The main application of rhubarb root is as a drug that excites appetite, activates digestion, laxative and choleretic. The plant is used as a normalization of the digestive tract, it has an antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory effect and strengthens the immune system.
Rhubarb stems are used for food, they contain a high level of malic and citric acids. It is also very useful jelly from rhubarb, which acts as an enveloping agent for gastritis and stomach ulcers. Ashberry rhizomes are used for hypertension. Due to the fact that they are not stored for a long time, they are immediately dried and crushed after collection. Of these, a decoction is prepared, which solves the problems associated with arterial pressure.
The treelike rhubarb fills in well the lack of vitamins for beriberi. Of petioles make juice, which has a not very pleasant taste, for this reason it is often sweetened with honey. In a day you need to drink one glass of juice. Or just cut the petioles into cubes, pour sugar and eat.
Rhubarb Harm
Not all parts of the rhubarb plant are equally useful. The damage of rhubarb is poisonous leaves and above-ground stems, which is caused by a rather large content of oxalic acid in the composition. Because of its small presence in petioles, the use of a plant is not recommended for people suffering from kidney stone disease. The acid forms combinations with calcium in the form of stones.
Chickens accumulate oxalic acid by mid-summer, and in spring rhubarb, malic acid dominates, which is completely harmless.
Rhubarb is contraindicated in such diseases and conditions as cholecystitis, rheumatism, with inflammation of the bladder, pregnancy. Restriction occurs with hyperacid gastritis and peptic ulcer. In such diseases it is important not to eat it on an empty stomach.
When using the plant, watch your health and body temperature. Rhubarb is not recommended for diabetes mellitus, rheumatism, gout, peritonitis. When bleeding of a different nature, including hemorrhoidal, exclude rhubarb from the diet.