Rhubarb

Rhubarb

Rhubarb* has been used as a laxative for thousands of years to prevent the build-up of toxins that can make you feel sluggish and your skin look dull.

Rhubarb roots and steams are rich in anthraquinones. These substances are also found in sienna, aloe, and cascara-plants all used in herbal medicine as natural laxatives. Preparations made from these plants are sometimes harsh on the digestive tract, however, which makes dietary spices, such as rhubarb, preferable.

As part of a high-fibre diet, rhubarb will help bowel function by toning the muscle of the digestive tract wall and ensures the removal of aging toxic waste without dehydrating or damaging the digestive system. Traditionally, rhubarb has been used to promote skin health and maintain a youthful appearance by this route of cleaning the body and your detoxification [pathways from the inside.

·         Modulates inflammatory responses, helping restore balance to the immune system and prevent aging diseases.

·         Removes excess fats from the bloodstream, helping the circulation deliver revitalizing oxygen and nutrients to the cells.

·         Good source of vitamin K, needed for youthful bone health.

Practical tips:

Rhubarb tastes extremely tart on its own so always needs sweetening. Although this can have the effect of negating its healthy properties, honey or fruit juice will minimize the damage. Getting used to the tartness of rhubarb as an aspect of its distinctive flavour also reduces the temptation to over sweeten.
  

* Watts Charlotte. Foods to Stay Young. Bath: Parragon Books Ltd, 2010. Print.

TIP: Use rhubarb in pies, desserts ( Creamy Rhubarb Dessert)   and jams or preserves.