The health benefits of bamboo shoots include healthy weight loss, control of bad cholesterol and strengthening of the immune system. It also has cancer-fighting and anti-inflammatory properties. It is heart friendly, contains protein, a sufficient supply of vitamins and minerals and a negligible amount of fat. It also contains a significant amount of dietary fiber.

What Are Bamboo Shoots?

 

Bamboo shoots are the sprouts which spring out beside the bamboo plant. These sprouts or shoots are edible and they belong to the Bambusoideaesubfamily of grass. They are the largest and tallest in the grass family. Bamboo is also known to be one of the fastest growing plants in the world. The fastest growing species of bamboo is Chinese Moso. It reportedly grows up to 100 cm per day.

Some of the bamboo species whose sprouts are harvested includephyllostachys edulis, winter shoots, ‘hairy’ shoots, phyllostachys bambusoides, dendrocalamus latiflorus, bambusa vulgaris, bambusa oldhamii, and bambusa odashimae.

Every part of the bamboo plant is put to use by Asian cultures and various ethnic groups. Bamboo is used for various other purposes ranging from construction, support for buildings, simple housing, bamboo furniture, musical instruments such as flutes, dizi, xiao, shakuhachi, and in paper production. Thus, bamboo is one of the most utilized and versatile plants on this planet.

Bamboo in architecture

Bamboo musical instruments

Bamboo in interior

Apart from these uses, bamboo shoots are also consumed in many Asian countries such as China, Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines, Indonesia, Nepal, and India. One can find evidence in old Chinese literature dating back to the Tang dynasty (618 AD- 907 AD), about the benefits of eating bamboo shoots. This was perhaps the first written record about bamboo shoots in human history. Another important scripture dating back to the Ming dynasty (1368 AD to 1644 AD) also mentioned the medicinal and other benefits of bamboo shoots. In Japan, they are considered as the “King of Forest Vegetables”. There are many bamboo species which sprout shoots, but only a handful of them are actually cultivated and consumed.

Bamboo shoots are available in either fresh or canned variety. Fresh shoots can last for up to two weeks when they are properly refrigerated and away from sunlight or else the shoots will develop a bitter taste. On the other hand, canned versions can be stored for a long time. However, before cooking fresh bamboo shoots, it is highly recommended to boil them partially or soak them in water overnight, as some species may contain cyanide, which can be eliminated by either of these processes.

Nutrition Facts Of Bamboo Shoots

According to a study conducted by Nirmala Chongtham, Madho Singh Bhisht and Sheena Haorongbam from Punjab University in Chandigarh, India, bamboo shoots are rich in various nutrients.

Low Calorie Content

A 100 gram serving of bamboo shoots contains only 20 calories. Also, the carbohydrates found in them do not amount to more than 3-4 grams per 100-gram serving.

Low Sugar Content

The amount of sugar found in bamboo shoots is about 2.5 grams per 100-gram serving. This is less than the amount of sugar found in many fruits and vegetables.

Negligible Amount of Fat

A serving of 100 grams of bamboo shoots contains less than 0.49 grams of fat. This fat consists of both saturated and unsaturated fats. Unsaturated fats are needed by the body and they can control the spread of bad LDL cholesterol throughout the body.

High in Protein

A 100 gram serving of bamboo shoots would have about 2 to 2.5 grams of protein. The proteins found in bamboo consists of seventeen essential amino acids and two semi-essential amino acids.

Vitamins & Minerals

Bamboo shoots contain vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin B6, vitamin E, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folate and pantothenic acid. Minerals found include calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium sodium, zinc. Bamboo shoots are high in dietary fiber. The amount of dietary fiber contained in bamboo shoots make up 6-8 grams out of a 100-gram serving.

Appetizing Effects

Bamboo shoots contain high cellulosic material which stimulates the appetite. The taste and texture of the bamboo shoots also make them a good appetizer.

Health Benefits Of Bamboo Shoots

Bamboo shoots are an exotic food consumed in many Asian countries, and in the recent years, are also gaining demand in the Western countries as well. Bamboo shoots are known for their various health benefits, including those explained in greater detail below.

Weight Loss

Bamboo shoots are weight loss-friendly. When we look at a number of calories, carbohydrates, and sugars contained in bamboo shoots, it is surprising to find that their presence is almost negligible. This makes it an ideal food for people who want to lose weight, but also want their stomachs to be full.

Heart Health

According to reasearch studies, phytosterols and phytonutrients found in bamboo shoots are ideal for dissolving harmful LDL cholesterol in the body. This eases cholesterol out of arteries for the smooth supply and movement of blood throughout the body.

Balanced Cholesterol Levels

Consumption of bamboo shoots is also helpful in decreasing LDL levels of cholesterol, with stable glucose levels. This is due to the fact that bamboo shoots contain negligible amounts of fat and very low calories. Reasearch conducted by Park and Jhon at Washington State University showed that the consumption of bamboo shoots had favorable effects on cholesterol, lipids and bowel function.

Cancer Treatment

Reasearch studies conducted on bamboo shoots have indicated that leaves of bamboo shoots consist of phytosterols such as flavone, amylase, and chlorophyll. Out of these, chlorophyll showed properties of controlling mutations and cancer.

Strengthened Immune System

The vitamins and minerals in bamboo shoots are ideal for improving the body’s immune system. The vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants present in bamboo shoots are essential for strengthening the body from inside-out.

Healthy Bowel Movements

The amount of dietary fiber in bamboo shoots is high. Consuming sufficient amounts of dietary fiber is essential for easy digestion and healthy bowel movements. Including bamboo shoots in your meals can be a very good idea for losing weight as well. With a lack of any physial activity during the night time, taking food with fewer calories and high fiber helps lose weight easily, even while you sleep.

Anti-inflammatory Properties

According to reasearch conducted by Muniappan and Sundararaj, bamboo shoots possess anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain-killing) properties. It helps in the healing of ulcers as well. Juice from bamboo shoots can also be used as a medicine for external wounds and ulcers.

follow www.organicfacts.net