Tag: Rhubarb side effects

According to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, rhubarb has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries to treat various gastrointestinal issues. This culinary vegetable, often used in sweet pies, contains compounds that give it a notable effect, leading many to question: is rhubarb a stimulant?

Though often mistaken for a fruit, rhubarb is a vegetable packed with a surprising array of nutrients that can significantly impact your health. Its effects range from aiding digestion to supporting bone strength and protecting your heart.

While commonly treated as a fruit, rhubarb is a vegetable known for its signature tart taste and vibrant red stalks. A single cup of chopped rhubarb contains a significant portion of your daily vitamin K needs, highlighting just one of the many benefits to eating rhubarb.

Approximately 570–1,900 mg of oxalates are found in just 100 grams of rhubarb stalks, a natural compound that can be toxic in high concentrations. Knowing when to avoid this popular springtime vegetable is crucial for safety, as incorrect preparation or consumption can lead to serious health issues, from mild stomach upset to severe kidney damage.

According to Mount Sinai Hospital, the symptoms of poisoning from rhubarb leaves can range from stomach pain and vomiting to severe and even fatal reactions. While the stalks are safe for consumption, understanding what are the side effects of eating rhubarb is crucial for safe preparation and consumption.

With a recorded history of medicinal use spanning over 2,000 years in Traditional Chinese Medicine, rhubarb is more than just a tart pie filling. A closer look at what does rhubarb do to the human body reveals a complex profile of potent compounds, including a variety of anthraquinones and antioxidants, which contribute to its powerful laxative effects, cardiovascular support, and other significant health impacts.