I am often asked whether rhubarb is harmful as a food. There are some good things to be said about it, for instance that it is rich in vitamins, acids and various essential minerals. On the negative side, however, it must be said that rhubarb can be hard on the kidneys, especially when there is a tendency to kidney stones. One should always be very careful with rhubarb, as well as asparagus and Brussels sprouts, as all three of these are excessively acid-forming. Although they are beneficial if taken in small quantities, they can have an injurious effect on the kidneys if eaten in large amounts. Particular care should thus be exercised by anyone suffering from kidney stones or gravel, rheumatism and arthritis. For them it would be better to limit their intake of these foods or avoid them altogether.
Furthermore, it is important to choose the right kind of manure for rhubarb. If artificial fertiliser or unfermented liquid manure is used, the rhubarb can actually become poisonous. It is indeed lamentable that what is good for the farmer often turns out to be bad for the consumer. Still, we have to draw attention to these things. And then: ‘let the buyer beware!’
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