9 Rhubarb Benefits You Need to Know
Updated: Nov. 01, 2023
From glowing skin to stronger bones, rhubarb benefits are as plentiful as the stalks in your backyard!
Lowers Cholesterol
Too many rhubarb dessert recipes aren’t great for your health but adding a little to your diet could improve cholesterol levels. One study in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition found that eating rhubarb stalks lowered cholesterol levels in men with high cholesterol. It was especially helpful in reducing LDL or bad cholesterol.
Aids Digestion
The tannins in rhubarb stalks have been found to improve digestion and gut health. Rhubarb is also rich in fiber to help prevent constipation. If you could use a little help in that department, there are more options than your plain old cup of tea or coffee; here’s a list of food that makes you poop.
Strengthens Your Bones
Rhubarb stalks are rich in vitamin K, a key nutrient in improving bone density and lowering the risk of fractures. Try pairing your rhubarb dessert with the benefits of pineapple for an extra dose of bone-strengthening nutrients.
Protects from Free Radicals
Move over kale and blueberries; there’s a new antioxidant powerhouse in town! A study in the International Journal of Food Science and Technology found that a serving of rhubarb has more antioxidants than a cup of packed kale. That means more protection from harmful free radicals that can lead to chronic disease.
Brightens Skin
The antioxidants in rhubarb won’t just protect against chronic disease; they’ll make you look younger too! The nutrients support collagen production for firmer, brighter skin. And while you’re snacking on your favorite rhubarb treat, check out the health benefits of avocado in a face mask for naturally glowing skin.
Fights Inflammation
Rhubarb stalks contain anthocyanins, the compound that gives them their deep, red color. A study in the Annual Review of Food Science and Technology found that eating foods rich in anthocyanins was associated with less inflammation and more protection against chronic diseases like diabetes.
Improves Liver Health
The compounds in rhubarb stalks improve our gut health and can even protect the liver from harm. A study in Molecular Nutrition and Food Research found that taking rhubarb extract is linked with improved liver health among study participants who reported binge drinking alcohol.
Boosts Heart Health
The anthocyanins found in rhubarb stalks can boost heart health by reducing inflammation and preventing atherosclerosis, the narrowing and hardening of blood vessels. Need a little protein with your rhubarb pie? Try sprinkling chopped nuts on top; the health benefits of almonds protect your heart, too.
May Protect Against Cancer
Because rhubarb stalks are rich in antioxidants, eating them may help protect against some types of cancer. Antioxidants help to repair cells from free radical damage, which can lead to cancer.
Originally Published: April 10, 2020
