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Rhubarb for some people is a mysterious product. Thick, hard leaf tails are associated with vegetables, while the way we usually use it (sweet) makes us perceive rhubarb as a fruit. Find out whether rhubarb is healthy and what to do with rhubarb for dessert or another meal.

IS RHUBARB A FRUIT OR A VEGETABLE?

Although we use it in the kitchen just like fruit, rhubarb is actually a vegetable. The edible part is the petioles, which are characterized by a color from green through pink to red and a sour taste. You can buy rhubarb in stores all year round, and it occurs seasonally between April and June.

IS RHUBARB HEALTHY? NUTRITIONAL VALUES OF RHUBARB

Rhubarb is a vegetable that mainly consists of water and dietary fiber. 100 g of rhubarb contains 0.5 g of protein, 0.1 of fat and 4.6 g of carbohydrates, including 3.2 g of fiber.

The health-promoting properties of medical rhubarb are well documented, while in Poland we most often find garden rhubarb, which has not been studied so widely.

Rhubarb is a source of many vitamins (A, C, E, K, B vitamins) and minerals, such as potassium, iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc.

Thanks to the ingredients contained, rhubarb has anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and antioxidant properties.

The main advantage of rhubarb is a large amount of water-soluble fractions of dietary fibre, mainly pectins. They increase the excretion of bile acids, lower blood cholesterol and glucose levels after a meal. Therefore, they are a helpful ingredient in the prevention and treatment of lipid disorders, diabetes and atherosclerosis.

RHUBARB AND SLIMMING

People on a slimming diet can reach for rhubarb without fear. It is a low-calorie product. 100 g of rhubarb contains only 15 kcal. This means that the addition of rhubarb to the dish will not significantly affect its caloric value.

The relatively high fiber content in rhubarb has a positive effect on the feeling of satiety. This product has a low glycemic index, which is 15. Thanks to this, eating rhubarb causes a small and mild increase in blood glucose. This phenomenon prevents hunger pangs that can be triggered by rapid fluctuations in sugar levels.

RHUBARB – CONTRAINDICATIONS

Dishes with rhubarb are not recommended for everyone. This product is a source of oxalic acid, which in excess can contribute to the formation of kidney stones, bone decalcification, muscle disorders and inflammation in the joints. For this reason, rhubarb should be avoided by people with gout, kidney stones and osteoporosis. It should also be limited by pregnant and lactating women and people on an easily digestible diet.

WHAT TO DO WITH RHUBARB?

Rhubarb is perfect for sweet dishes. We are happy to add it to buns or cakes, not only those with crumble. You can prepare delicious drinks from it, such as rhubarb juice, compote or lemonade. Rhubarb can be an ingredient of desserts, oatmeal, dumplings, pancakes. You can also eat it in a savory version, e.g. by adding it to goulash.

RHUBARB – FIT RECIPES
Overnight oatmeal with rhubarb

Ingredients:

50 g oat flakes,
5 g of linseed,
1 small natural yogurt,
1 teaspoon of honey,
1 stalk of rhubarb,
some strawberries.
Put oatmeal, flaxseed and yogurt in a bowl, mix thoroughly. Place in the fridge overnight.
Prepare the toppings the next day. Wash, clean, cut the rhubarb into smaller pieces and cook for a few minutes in a pan with a little water until it releases its juices and softens slightly. Get out of the oven.
Wash strawberries and cut into smaller pieces. Add honey to the cooled rhubarb, mix. Add the prepared additives to the oatmeal.
Recipe for rhubarb, apple and orange juice

Ingredients:

4 stalks of rhubarb,
4 apples,
1 orange.
Wash and clean the products. Peel the orange and rhubarb. Use a squeezer to prepare rhubarb juice.

When looking for knowledge about a diet that supports health and maintaining an appropriate body weight, it is worth using the help of specialists. During health stays at the Centers of the Sofra Health Institute, consultations with a dietician are conducted, who will indicate what changes should be made in the daily menu and how to develop health-promoting habits.