✅ Stems are safe when cooked, but the leaves should never be consumed.
🧠 2️⃣ Why Older Adults Are at Higher Risk
People over 60 may be more vulnerable because:
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Kidney function naturally declines with age
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Detoxification systems work less efficiently
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Accidental ingestion (e.g., in gardening or cooking) can have severe consequences
Even small amounts of rhubarb leaf can trigger nausea, vomiting, and heart rhythm issues.