Thursday, October 21, 2010

A Closer Look at Rhubarb

healthy foods - r
Speaking of rhubarb, the first thing to come to mind would be homemade rhubarb pie. Usually prepared along with other fruits as a delicious dessert, rhubarb mixed with apples and strawberries make delectable jams. But did you know that despite the distinctive taste of rhubarbs that make it excellent for desserts, choosing the wrong parts of it for cooking could lead to dire, even deadly, consequences?

Most parts of the rhubarb is edible except for its toxic leaves. In fact, its different parts have been known to possess specific medicinal qualities. Its long, crisp stalks, known for their tart flavor, are commonly used for pies and other dishes/foods. A group of plants belonging to the genus rheum, the rhubarb has been botanically classified as a vegetable, and many of its varieties have already been domesticated for human consumption. And apart from the toxicity of its leaves, its other parts have been identified to benefit health in the following ways:
  • Rhubarb could lower cancer risk.
  • It is said to have good effects on the body's circulation.
  • Rhubarb could be beneficial for people with high cholesterol.
  • It possesses anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergy properties. 

Written By: Maris Modesto

2 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. Health benefits of rhubarb are many, and offer a great amount of nutritional value.

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