12 Lesser Known Health Benefits Of Rhubarb + Why It Tastes Sour
Get your facts right to reap this medicinal plant's healthy and flavorful benefits.
My name is Erin Kenney and I am a Registered Dietitan living in the beautiful city of Boston. I am overly passionate about helping individuals achieve their healthiest self through food, nutrition, and self-care. With the conflicting messages about health that are constantly flooding our daily lives, I am here to provide you with tools to help you make better choices.
Read full bio of Erin Kenney
Experience: 10 yearsRavi Teja Tadimalla is a Co-Editor-in-Chief and a published author. He has been in the digital media field for over a decade. He graduated from SRM University, Chennai, and has a Professional Certificate in Food, Nutrition & Research from Wageningen University.
Read full bio of Ravi Teja Tadimalla
Experience: 8 yearsArshiya Syeda is the Co-Editor-in-Chief of StyleCraze with 8 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer who combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care.
Read full bio of Arshiya Syeda
Experience: 6 yearsSindhu Koganti is a Certified Health and Nutrition Life Coach and has over 6 years of experience in writing on health and wellness topics. She has a bachelor’s degree in biotechnology from Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur, and a diploma in nutrition from Fab Academy.
Read full bio of Sindhu Koganti
Image: Shutterstock
Rhubarb benefits are slowly gaining popularity. It was widely used in traditional Chinese medicine for soothing stomach-related ailments. In North America and Europe, it is used to boost brain health and strengthen bones. While there is a constant debate whether rhubarb is a vegetable or a fruit, its benefits are well-known. Learn more about the health benefits of rhubarb. Continue reading.
Know Your Ingredient: RhubarbWhat Is It?
A red or pink, flesh, edible stalk that has a tart flavor and sharp and sweet aroma.
What Are Its Benefits?
It may help treat constipation, support bone health, aid in weight loss, and reduce cholesterol.
Who Can Consume It?
Anyone can consume it except people with kidney stones, liver problems, and children.
How Often?
You can consume 20 to 50 milligrams of rhubarb per 1 kg of body weight daily.
Caution
Avoid if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Excess consumption may lead to diarrhea or constipation, or stomach ache.
In This Article
What Is Rhubarb? How Is It Good For You?
Rhubarb looks like red celery (kind of), but has large leaves and is often considered a fruit (there’s some confusion here, but we will get to it later). The stem of the plant is usually cooked, which can be eaten raw as well. You can also make a yummy juice out of rhubarb and add other healthy ingredients like aloe vera, ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, honey or lemon to it.
One serving of rhubarb meets 45% of your daily vitamin K needs – the nutrient supports bone health. The vitamin C in rhubarb wards off infections, and the vitamin A and lutein in the fruit (or veggie, whatever) boost vision health. There are other ways it can be quite good for you and your family. We will get there now.
Did You Know?
Though rhubarb is botanically a vegetable, in 1947, the United States gave it a legal designation as a fruit to avoid the high tariffs levied on imported vegetables.
What Are The Health Benefits Of Rhubarb?
1. Rhubarb Relieves Constipation
Being a natural laxative, rhubarb can be used to treat constipation. Studies show that rhubarb possesses antidiarrheal effects, thanks to its tannin content (1). It also contains sennosides, compounds that act as stimulative laxatives (2).
Rhubarb also contains high amounts of dietary fiber that can boost digestion.
2. Strengthens The Bones
We already saw that rhubarb packs a good dose of vitamin K, which plays a role in bone metabolism and helps prevent osteoporosisi A systematic skeletal disorder that renders bones weak and brittle, making them susceptible to fractures from minor forces like coughing or bending over. .
Vitamin K is also important for bone formation. One study talks about how vitamin K can reduce fracture risk (3).
Rhubarb is also a decent source of calcium (one cup meets 10% of the daily requirement), another mineral crucial for bone health.
3. Boosts Brain Health
The vitamin K in rhubarb limits neuronal damage to the brain – and this can happen to the point of preventing Alzheimer’s. As per a study, rhubarb can help in the treatment of inflammation in the brain (4). This makes it a preventative measure against Alzheimer’s, stroke, and ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis)i A progressive degenerative neurological condition that affects the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord and results in loss of muscle control. .
4. Rhubarb Aids Weight Loss
Rhubarb was found to reduce bad cholesterol, and since it is a low-calorie food choice, it sure can be a great addition to a weight loss diet. It also contains catechins, the same compounds in green tea that give it its beneficial properties. Catechins are known to boost metabolism, and this also helps burn body fat and aid weight loss.
Rhubarb is also a good source of fiber, another nutrient important for weight loss. Because of its laxative properties, rhubarb is a prominent ingredient in certain weight loss formations (5).
5. Helps Combat Cancer
Animal studies have shown that physcion, a concentrated chemical in rhubarb that gives its stems their color, can kill 50% of cancer cells in a matter of 48 hours (6). We need more research on this before we come to a conclusion, though.
The cancer-fighting properties of rhubarb are particularly enhanced when it is baked – baking it for 20 minutes has shown to dramatically increase its anti-cancerous properties (7).
6. Might Aid Diabetes Treatment
Some research has shown that compounds found in the stems of rhubarb can help improve blood sugar levels and even lower cholesterol.
The active compound, called rhaponticin, was found to be beneficial for diabetes.
7. Protects The Heart
Being a good source of fiber, rhubarb has shown to lower cholesterol levels. Consuming rhubarb stalk fiber was found to reduce bad cholesterol by 9% (8).
Other studies talk about the active compounds in rhubarb that protect the arteries from damage, which might otherwise lead to heart disease. Some sources say that rhubarb can also lower blood pressure.
8. Rhubarb Can Improve Vision
There is less information on this. However, rhubarb contains lutein and vitamin C, both of which work well for vision.
Did You Know?
Rhubarb reached Europe through the Silk Route in the 14th century. And it was brought to North America by the European settlers in the early 1800s.
9. Can Aid Kidney Health
One study shows how rhubarb supplementation can improve the therapeutic effects in the treatment of stage 3 and stage 4 chronic kidney disease (9).
But since rhubarb contains some oxalic acid, it can cause or aggravate kidney stones. Hence, please consult your doctor before you consume it.
10. Relieves PMS Symptoms
Studies show that rhubarb can relieve hot flashes, and this is especially true in the cause of perimenopausei Also known as the menopausal transition, it marks the end of the reproductive years as the body naturally enters menopause. (10). Rhubarb also contains phytoestrogensi Naturally occurring plant compounds that upon consumption, have effects similar to when estrogen is produced by the body. , and some research says such foods can help relieve symptoms of menopause.
11. Delays Skin Aging
Rhubarb is a storehouse of vitamin A. Natural antioxidants in rhubarb helps in neutralizing free radicals and delays the symptoms of aging (like wrinkles and fine lines). Thus, rhubarb keeps your skin youthful and glowing by preventing the cell damage by free radicals.
Rhubarb is a natural antibacterial and antifungal agent and helps protect your skin from various infections. Raw rhubarb, in the form of a paste, had been advocated by alternative medicine practitioners as a topical application for various skin infections. You can make a paste of rhubarb stems and apply to your face. Leave it on for 15 minutes and wash off with cold water. Repeat every morning.
12. Rhubarb Works As A Natural Hair Coloring Agent
Rhubarb root contains a good dose of oxalic acid that is known to render a light brown or blonde hue to the hair. The presence of oxalic acid makes the hair color last longer and does not harm the scalp.
Add about three tablespoons of powdered rhubarb roots to two cups of water and simmer it for 15 minutes. Allow it to rest overnight. Strain the liquid in the morning and rinse your hair with this mixture for an awesome hair color.
Quick TipMichelle Lee-Ann, an author, shared her experience of using rhubarb to help manage her migraines. She said, “ I fell back in love with rhubarb. I made simple syrups, juice, crisps and pies, and bread galore. It helped me stave off migraine attacks, and tasted delicious (i).”
These are the benefits. Adding rhubarb to your diet can be a good idea after all. Discover a delicious rhubarb recipe below.
Rhubarb Recipe
Maple Syrup-Cinnamon Roasted RhubarbIngredients
- 4 cups of fresh rhubarb
- 1/2 cup of maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- A pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
How To Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice the rhubarb into 1-inch pieces.
- In a large bowl, combine the sliced rhubarb, maple syrup, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
- Toss everything together until the rhubarb is evenly coated.
- Spread the mixture onto the baking sheet.
- Drizzle with lemon juice and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the rhubarb is tender but still holds its shape.
- Serve your roasted rhubarb on its own, over yogurt, or as a topping for oatmeal or ice cream.
Rhubarb adds a unique twist to your usual fruit-based desserts. But we have one important question to be answered.
Why Does Rhubarb Taste So Sour?
Not just sour – but excruciatingly sour. In fact, it is the most sour-tasting vegetable out there. And this is because of the high amounts of malic acid and oxalic acid in it. Malic acid is commonly found in most fruits and vegetables, and it imparts the sour taste to most of these foods.
Quite interestingly, growing rhubarb in darkness was found to make it less sour.
Well, okay. But did you hear anyone say that rhubarb could be poisonous? They are not completely wrong.
Is Rhubarb Poisonous?
The leaves are. Not the stalks that we recommend you to eat. The leaves are very rich in oxalic acid (more than the stems), and this makes them toxic. Other compounds in rhubarb leaves, called anthraquinone glycosides, can also make the leaves toxic.
Symptoms of toxicity include a burning sensation in the mouth and throat, eye pain, difficulty in breathing, diarrhea, weakness, and even vomiting. Death can occur, although it is quite rare as one needs to consume too many rhubarb leaves for that.
TriviaSo, how do you eat rhubarb?
Simple. Just focus on the stalks. You can eat the stalks raw. Just dip them in some sugar or honey. You can also juice it. Or even make rhubarb tea – by steeping the stalks in hot water for 20 minutes and then draining the liquid.
Talking about dosage, 20 to 50 milligrams of rhubarb per 1 kg of body weight is considered safe for enhanced nutrition.
All good. But like everything else, rhubarb has its share of side effects that you must know.
What Are The Side Effects Of Rhubarb?
- Can Be Harmful For Children
Even though rhubarb stalks contain very less oxalic acid, they still can be harmful for children under 4 years of age.
- Issues With Pregnancy And Breastfeeding
Rhubarb can be unsafe if used in quantities more than those found in foods.
- Might Aggravate Diarrhea Or Constipation
Excess of rhubarb can aggravate these conditions.
- Kidney Stones
Due to the presence of oxalic acid, rhubarb might aggravate kidney stones.
- Liver Problems
Rhubarb can make the problem worse in people who have liver issues.
Infographic: Health Benefits Of Rhubarb
A vegetable that resembles red celery and is gaining popularity for the array of benefits it offers is rhubarb. Regular intake of this vegetable is becoming popular thanks to its positive effects on health.
The following infographic provides information about the health benefits of rhubarb. Check it out. Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The benefits of rhubarb are gaining attention slowly. It is majorly used to soothe stomach-related ailments in traditional Chinese medicine. It is rich in vitamins A, C, and K and essential minerals like potassium, magnesium, iron and folate. It has numerous phytonutrients and polyphenols like flavonoids, rhein, emodin, anthocyanins, quercetin and resveratrol (11), (12), (13), (14). Rhubarb can relieve constipation and boost bone, cardiovascular, eye, and kidney health. It is often combined with green tea, apple cider vinegar or prebiotics to make interesting drinks, desserts or even health supplements. It also delays the signs of aging and is a natural hair coloring agent. However, this sour-tasting vegetable can be harmful to children and pregnant or breastfeeding women. It can also aggravate kidney stones and liver problems in susceptible individuals. Also, do note that rhubarb leaves are poisonous – and must be avoided. Nevertheless, moderate consumption of rhubarb can offer you important benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can rhubarb cause any allergies or sensitivities?
Yes, you may experience allergic reactions such as hives, redness, itching, and difficulty in breathing after coming into contact with rhubarb. Consult your physician in case your symptoms worsen.
Are there any potential interactions between rhubarb and certain medications?
Yes, studies have shown that the anthraquinones present in rhubarb may interfere with the working of some drugs like saxagliptin (10), (15).
Are there any nutritional differences between cooked and raw rhubarb?
Yes, cooked rhubarb shows significantly fewer nutrients than raw one (16), (17).
Key Takeaways
- Rhubarb contains vitamins K, C, A, and lutein that boost eye health.
- It has calcium and vitamin K that boost bone metabolism, prevent osteoporosis, and lower the risk of fractures.
- It helps with menopause symptoms like hot flashes. It may soothe brain inflammation and help manage ALS, strokes, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Illustration: Lesser Known Health Benefits Of Rhubarb + Why It Tastes Sour
Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team
Discover the amazing health benefits of rhubarb with this insightful video! From aiding digestion to reducing inflammation, click on this video to know more about this powerful vegetable.
Personal Experience: Source
StyleCraze's articles are interwoven with authentic personal narratives that provide depth and resonance to our content. Below are the sources of the personal accounts referenced in this article.
i. The Power of Rhubarbhttps://medium.com/the-green-leaf/the-power-of-rhubarb-51a3158202ea
References
Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.
- “The diarrhoeogenic and…”. ScienceDirect.
- “Constipation and herbal medicine”. US National Library of Medicine.
- “Bone health and osteoporosis…”. US National Library of Medicine.
- “Rhubarb extract has a protective role…”. US National Library of Medicine.
- “Claims rhubarb pigment…”. NHS Choices.
- “Induction of Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis by Physcion…”ResearchGate.
- “Effect of different cooking..”. Science Direct
- “Evaluation of rhubarb supplementation…”. US National Library of Medicine.
- “Rhubarb may cool hot flashes”. WebMD.
- “Interaction of five anthraquinones…” US National Library of Medicine.
- Advances in bio-active constituents, pharmacology and clinical applications of rhubarb
- Anthocyanin Pigments of Rhubarb, Canada Red
- Trans-resveratrol alone and hydroxystilbenes of rhubarb (Rheum rhaponticum L.) root reduce liver damage induced by chronic ethanol administration: a comparative study in mice
- A Review on Rhubarb-Derived Substances as Modulators of Cardiovascular Risk Factors—A Special Emphasis on Anti-Obesity Action
- “Influences of processed rhubarbs…” US National Library of Medicine.
- “Rhubarb, raw” Food Data Central.
- “Rhubarb, frozen, cooked…” Food Data Central.
Read full bio of Erin Kenney
Read full bio of Ravi Teja Tadimalla
Read full bio of Arshiya Syeda
Read full bio of Sindhu Koganti
Community Experiences
Join the conversation and become a part of our empowering community! Share your stories, experiences, and insights to connect with other beauty, lifestyle, and health enthusiasts.