Introduction

Rhubarb is a plant native to China and is a member of the buckwheat family. Though it is a vegetable, it is used predominantly like a fruit due to its tart taste. Nowadays it is widely cultivated and is grown in various locations across the globe.

Nutritional Composision

Rhubarb is a healthy and nutritious vegetable with an abundance of essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients. It is high in dietary fibre and low in fat and calories with one cup (120g) of raw, sliced rhubarb containing only 1g of fat, 1g protein and 14g carbohydrates (7g of sugar). Rhubarb is also a rich source of vitamins and minerals, offering 27% of the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of vitamin K, 7% of the RDA of vitamin C and 5% of the RDA of vitamin B6. It also contains small amounts of magnesium and a variety of antioxidants.

Health Benefits

Eating a varied diet rich in colourful fruits and vegetables is one of the best ways to promote cellular health, increase energy and maintain overall wellbeing. Not only is rhubarb incredibly low in calories and fat, it is also a rich source of beneficial vitamins and minerals.

The high dietary fibre content in rhubarb helps to increase satiety and promote regular bowel movements to help maintain balanced digestion. Rhubarb is also a good source of iron which is essential for red blood cell formation and transporting oxygen throughout the body.

The vitamin K found in rhubarb plays an important role in helping the blood clot properly and can also help improve bone health. Vitamin C’s main function is to help fortify the body’s immunity, promoting the optimal functioning of organ systems and protecting against illnesses such as colds and flu.

Finally, rhubarb is also a great source of antioxidants which help to protect the body from oxidative stress and boost overall health.

Conclusion

In conclusion, rhubarb is a versatile yet nutritious vegetable which offers a wide array of health benefits. Not only does it contain essential vitamins and minerals, but it is an excellent source of dietary fibre, iron, and antioxidants. Not only is it incredibly low in fat and calories, but it can also be enjoyed in both sweet and savoury dishes.