Rhubarb jam: benefits and harms to the body

Jam is made from many fruits and berries. One of the popular products for making a delicious dessert is rhubarb. It is a plant, the stems of which contain many useful trace elements. They are used for making jam.

Composition and calorie content

Rhubarb belongs to the early leafy vegetables. Delicious and healthy jam comes out of the pieces of the stems. But remember that only stems are used, as they contain a lot of useful trace elements, as well as vitamins.

The composition includes such substances:

1. Iron. The body needs to produce blood cells. Iron deficiency causes anemia. Such a condition is dangerous to the health of the patient, especially for women during pregnancy.
2. Cellulose. Promotes normal digestion, improving bowel function. Rhubarb is used by traditional healers for diseases of the digestive tract.
3. Magnesium. It is the main element that is involved in the growth of muscle tissue. With a lack of minerals, muscle cramps occur in the lower extremities.
4. Phosphorus. It also refers to the main elements, without which no biochemical reaction in the body takes place. Phosphorus is found in large quantities not only in fish products, but also in rhubarb.
5. Potassium. Participates in many processes. First of all, it is required for metabolic processes that occur in cells. A trace element is also necessary to strengthen the cell membrane. With a lack of potassium, sharp drops in osmotic pressure are also noted.
6. Calcium. It is the main element of bone tissue. With its insufficiency, a person often experiences fractures even after minor bruises. A trace element is required in large quantities during pregnancy, as it is involved in the structure of the musculoskeletal system of the fetus.
7. Vitamins of group B. A fairly large group, which includes several vitamins at once. All of them take part in a wide variety of biological processes that occur in the human body. Of great importance for vision is vitamin B2. With its lack, it can significantly deteriorate. Benefits for the nervous system bring vitamins B3, B1, B5. With their insufficient number, a person tolerates stress worse, a depressive state may develop.
8. Vitamin C. This is ascorbic acid, which is necessary for the body's defenses to prevent the development of viruses and colds.
9. Vitamin E. It is a natural antioxidant. It contributes to the destruction of pathogenic microorganisms that cause the development of serious diseases.
10. Vitamin K. Its content in rhubarb jam is insufficient, but a trace element is necessary to control the level of blood coagulation. Without it, the body does not absorb calcium well enough.
11. Apple acid. It is necessary to maintain blood circulation, relieve swelling of soft tissues, activate metabolism. It also has a mild laxative effect.

The composition also includes pectins and organic acids, which are involved in certain processes of the body.

Calorie content of the product is 314 kcal per 100 g. Jam refers to high-calorie foods.

Thus, rhubarb is a fairly valuable product, which, if used properly, will only bring benefits to the body due to its composition.

What is useful rhubarb jam

General benefit

The use of such a dessert as rhubarb jam is due to its chemical composition.It has a positive effect on many systems and organs. Useful properties include:

1. Maintaining the body's defenses. This property is due to the presence of vitamin C in sufficient quantities. With the constant use of rhubarb jam, the body will be protected from colds, as well as the development of infectious lesions.
2. Maintenance of the gastrointestinal tract. Adequate fiber helps normalize the digestive process. A delicious dessert can also be used for constipation, as it has a mild laxative effect.
3. Activation of regeneration processes. Thanks to the microelements that make up the jam, it has the ability to speed up the healing process of small wounds and cuts. Rhubarb also affects the composition of the blood, improving it.
4. Bone strengthening. The dessert contains enough calcium. It is involved in the structure of bone tissue and is needed in large quantities by women during pregnancy.
5. Normalization of metabolic processes. Thanks to the components that make up the jam, it normalizes metabolic processes, which reduces the risk of certain diseases.
6. The breakdown of subcutaneous fat. Despite the large number of calories, the product can be used by women who maintain their weight. A moderate amount of delicious dessert will not harm the figure.
7. Diuretic action. Due to this, rhubarb jam is used in folk medicine as a means to get rid of puffiness.
8. Antipyretic effect. The high content of vitamin C and other useful trace elements allows the use of rhubarb jam as a remedy for colds. It will help not only normalize the temperature, but also enhance sweating.
9. Elimination of cough. The jam contains antioxidants. These substances contribute to the destruction of pathogenic microorganisms that cause coughing.

Rhubarb jam is used by traditional healers to prepare special products and treat a number of diseases. Due to its properties, the product has a positive integrated effect on the whole organism.

For women

Rhubarb jam is good for women. The benefit lies in its composition, thanks to which the product has a positive effect on the condition of the hair, nails and skin.

Also, a delicious dessert contains folic acid. It is necessary for the female body to maintain the normal functioning of the reproductive system. The substance is also necessary for the formation of the fetus in the early stages of pregnancy.

For men

Rhubarb even after exposure to high temperatures will be invaluable for the male body. Jam helps maintain male strength, adds energy to the body. The micronutrients included in the composition help strengthen bone and muscle tissue, which is very important with regular physical exertion.

During pregnancy

Experts do not recommend eating rhubarb jam during pregnancy. This is because the product can cause an allergic reaction and many other side effects. Among them, exacerbation of urolithiasis, the appearance of heartburn are noted.

Also during pregnancy, the use of jam becomes the cause of allergic rashes, which can harm the fetus.

When breastfeeding

Doctors also do not recommend eating this jam when breastfeeding. The fact is that rhubarb belongs to allergic products. A child may experience a negative reaction in the form of diarrhea, diarrhea, as well as other digestive problems.

The use of rhubarb jam contributes to the deterioration of the production of breast milk and significantly reduces the percentage of its fat content. As a result, the child does not eat up.

For kids

You can only add rhubarb jam to your child’s diet from 2 years old. This is because the product is capable of causing allergies. It manifests itself in the form of a rash and itching, as well as redness of the skin and urticaria.

With moderate use, a delicious dessert helps to strengthen immunity and bone, increase muscle tissue, increase mental activity.

When losing weight

Nutritionists do not recommend introducing rhubarb jam into the diet while following a diet for weight loss or maintaining optimal weight. The fact is that the product contains many calories that do not contribute to weight loss.

But the composition of rhubarb includes substances that help break down fats and do not allow them to be deposited under the skin. Thus, you can use jam only in the form of fruit drink and in small quantities.

Harm and contraindications

A rhubarb product may not always be beneficial. In some cases, it can harm:

1. A delicious dessert helps increase blood sugar. It can not be consumed in the presence of diabetes.
2. The product negatively affects body weight. A high calorie content negatively affects the figure.
3. In case of abuse of rhubarb jam, digestion can be observed. In this case, diarrhea occurs, which is replaced by prolonged constipation. That is why you should not eat delicacy in large quantities.
4. Jam contributes to the subsidence of radicals, which provokes the formation of solid formations in the kidneys. As a result, urolithiasis develops. Such harm is due to the fact that rhubarb contains a large amount of oxalic acid.
5. The product causes allergies with increased sensitivity to the constituent components. It is characterized by the appearance of small rashes of red color, itching, redness of the skin and other signs.

Experts say that jam can be harmful only if it is consumed in large quantities, exceeding the dosage. A negative reaction can be avoided if you eat it in small quantities.

A delicious dessert can not be consumed in the presence of the following contraindications:

1. Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, especially in the acute period.
2. The presence of excess weight or any degree of obesity.
3. Diabetes or a tendency to its appearance.
4. Joint diseases. These include rheumatism, arthritis, osteoporosis and others.
5. Gastric ulcer and increased acidity.

Contraindications include the presence of an allergy to rhubarb. Jam should not be eaten daily. The dosage, which does not provoke the occurrence of negative reactions, is not more than 30 g.

When can I collect rhubarb for jam

Rhubarb refers to products that can be harvested in early spring. Experts say that it is best to cut it off until mid-June. This is due to the fact that exposure to high temperatures provokes coarsening of stems and destruction of nutrients. As a result, the product will not be suitable for making jam.

Also in older shoots there is a greater amount of oxalic acid. It has a negative effect on the whole body, provoking violations of certain processes.

After cutting the stems, they must be immediately removed from the leaves, since they also contain a sufficient amount of oxalic acid.

It is important to remember that jam will benefit the body only if the plant was correctly and timely harvested.

How to make rhubarb jam: recipes

Before making jam, you must choose the right rhubarb. It is best to take the stems of medium size, as they contain the most beneficial nutrients. It is also important that on the surface of the stems there are no various kinds of damage.

There are many recipes for making tasty and healthy rhubarb jam. You can use the classic recipe. To prepare a dessert, you need granulated sugar and plant stalks in equal quantities.

Rhubarb rinse, cut into cubes, then sprinkle with granulated sugar. Put the pan on the stove and bring to a boil. Boil everything for 5 minutes and set aside. When the dessert has cooled, repeat still twice. After that pour into banks, close with lids. Put in a cool place after cooling. For this, a refrigerator or cellar is suitable.

Other berries or fruits can also be added. So the dessert will acquire a special aroma, unique taste.

With orange

When citrus is added, the dessert acquires a pleasant color and aroma. It is perfect for baking. But before use, you need to make sure that there is no allergic reaction to the orange, as it relates to allergenic products.

For cooking, you need such products:

• rhubarb in the amount of 1 kg;
• 1 kg of granulated sugar;
• 0.5 kg of oranges.

Citruses need to be peeled, cut. Pour sugar, rhubarb, previously washed and diced, oranges into the pan. Everything should be infused.

Jam can be put on fire when granulated sugar is completely dissolved. Boil. To give a brighter flavor, you can add a small amount of zest. Boil until thickened. Then pour into jars that must first be sterilized.

With lemon

This jam will be an excellent remedy for colds, since it contains a sufficient amount of vitamin C. It also has an antipyretic effect. To cook it, you need to take 1 kg of rhubarb and sugar, one large lemon.

Peel the zest and peel the flesh using a meat grinder or blender. Wash and chop the stems, pour out sugar. Insist all during the day in the refrigerator. After this, boil for 5 minutes, cool.

Then, when the jam has cooled, put back on the stove and boil. Thus, it should boil twice for 5 minutes. When the jam boils 2 times, add the pulp of a lemon and cook again for 10 minutes.

With apple

A recipe from the stems of a plant with the addition of an apple is also popular. This combination is quite successful, the dessert is fragrant, healthy and pleasant to the taste.

To prepare it, you will need to prepare the following ingredients in advance:

• 2 kg of sugar and rhubarb;
• a couple of teaspoons of cinnamon;
• 1 kg of apples.

The stems of plants and apples, first of all, need to be washed. Peel and chop the apples. Rhubarb also chopped. Mix everything in a container and leave until sugar is dissolved. Put the pan on the stove. As everything boils, reduce the power of the stove and cook for 15 minutes. The jam should thicken. Pour it hot into cans previously sterilized.

Cinnamon

A product such as cinnamon allows you to make dessert more spicy, aromatic. Cooking it is also easy, and any housewife can handle it. Before cooking, prepare rhubarb in an amount of 1 kg. Wash and cut into small cubes. You will also need 1 kg of sugar and a small spoonful of cinnamon.

Fold the cut stems into a container and sprinkle with sugar (500 g). All insist for 12 hours. Sugar should dissolve, and juice should stand out from the stems.Drain the juice in a separate container and put on the stove, turn on the minimum heat. As it boils, pour the remainder of the granulated sugar. When the syrup is ready, put slices of stems and cook for 5 minutes. Then set it aside and let it brew for 5 hours. After that, boil again for 5 minutes and cool. Repeat boiling and the third time, add cinnamon. Leave on the stove for another 5 minutes.

Pour the resulting dessert into jars until it cools down. They need to be put down with covers, and after cooling they should be removed for storage.

With banana

Rhubarb goes well with banana. The jam is moderately sweet and fragrant. Such a dessert will appeal not only to children, but also to adults. To prepare it, you need such components:

• granulated sugar in an amount of 1 kg;
• rhubarb - 1 kg;
• bananas - 500 g.

Peel the rhubarb from the leaves, wash and cut into small cubes. Peel the bananas and cut. Mix sugar and rhubarb in a saucepan, put in a cold place for 10 hours. When sugar dissolves, boil over minimum heat for 5 minutes, cool. Repeat the procedure. After the jam has cooled a second time, add the bananas and boil again for about 7 minutes.

Pour the prepared jam hot over the jars, cover with lids and let cool. You can store for six months.

In a slow cooker

You can also make jam in the slow cooker. She is a good helper to any housewife, as she allows you to cook almost any dish quickly and without unnecessary trouble. To prepare a delicious dessert, you will need to prepare rhubarb in the amount of 1 kg and the same amount of granulated sugar.

Wash rhubarb, cut. Pour it into the bowl of the multicooker and pour it with sugar. Insist everything for 12 hours. Cook on the "Extinguishing" mode, since the power is small, the mass will not run away.

The advantage of the multicooker is that it cooks fast enough. It only takes an hour to make the jam. The timer must be set precisely for this time. Then it can be laid out on the banks and covered with a lid.

How to sterilize jars

There are several ways to sterilize cans. Each hostess can choose the one that is more convenient and simpler. But before sterilizing them, you must:

1. Check packaging for chips and cracks. This is not acceptable for food storage. In addition, if there are cracks during the laying of jam, the bank may burst.
2. Lids must also be sterilized. They should be checked for damage. They should not be dented.
3. Do not wash cans with household cleaning products. It is enough to wash them with a conventional dishwashing detergent and rinse thoroughly several times with running water.

Sterilize banks in the following ways:

1. In the microwave. Pour in cans of water and put in the microwave for 7 minutes. Boil the lids separately on the stove.
2. In a water bath. Pour water into the pan, install a sieve on top. You can use a colander. Put the jars on top when the water boils. Sterilize for 5-7 minutes.
3. In the oven. According to many, this is the easiest way, especially if you need to sterilize several cans with lids at once. It is important that this method is not suitable if the covers are silicone. Banks with lids put on a baking sheet. Preheat the oven to 120 degrees. Sterilize from 15 to 25 minutes depending on the volume of the container.

Each method has its advantages and disadvantages. But they all make it possible to sterilize jars well and to preserve cooked blanks for a long time.

Interesting facts about rhubarb

Rhubarb is a perennial plant whose stems are well suited for making jam. Here are some interesting facts:

1. The plant is very popular in Estonia. Its stems are used in baking.It makes delicious and sweet enough cakes, muffins and even cakes. Cinnamon is added to add a special flavor.
2. Rhubarb can be stored after cutting no more than 3 days. For greater safety, it is best to cut the stems and put them in the freezer.
3. For the first time, rhubarb is mentioned in Chinese manuscripts dated 2700 BC. It was used for medical purposes.
4. The rhubarb diet was very popular among Hollywood stars. Many women claim that with her help they managed to lose 4 kg of weight in one month. The basis of nutrition is just rhubarb, which is consumed in every meal.

Americans also do not remain indifferent to rhubarb. It is combined with strawberries. Thus, the plant has long been used not only in cooking, but also in medicine.

Rhubarb is rich in a variety of trace elements, fiber and vitamins. It contains a whole range of useful substances. Its use in moderation not only enhances mood, but also has a positive effect on various body systems, including immunity. But rhubarb jam can harm the body. This must be remembered and not abused.

Photo of rhubarb jam