Bamboo shoots are the new growing shoots from the base of a bamboo plant. These are tender in nature and used for food and medicinal purposes in various cultures. Some countries considered eating bamboo shoots a traditional delicacy. Bamboo shoots health benefits are due to containing low fat and cholesterol, and being high in dietary fiber and carbohydrates.

The bamboo plant

Bamboo is large woody grass whose scientific name is Bambuseae and belongs to the family Poaceae. The adapting capacity of bamboo is very wide and can survive under a huge range of soil conditions and temperature and water availability.

The bamboo plant is also used for a huge range of human activities these plants can be used for making furniture, for fencing, pulp, paper, flooring, roofing, and as a medicinal plant, in some parts of the world, young shoots of this plants, are eaten in the form of vegetable and soups.

Today with the change in climate and increased concern regarding healthy food and health care, bamboo shoots may be considered one of the new food introduced in a day to day life. Bamboo plants are basically grass families that can grow easily and require very little care.

Main components responsible for Bamboo shoots health benefits 

1. Dietary fiber

Bamboo shoots are high in dietary fiber content around 1.5 g per 100 g of bamboo shoots (1). Again this number may vary depending upon the type of bamboo species. Dietary fiber is very essential for healthy living. These fibers in the diet help in controlling the blood sugar level thus keeping a check on the diabetes level.

2. Plant protein

Tender bamboo shoots contain nearly about 2.1 g of plant protein per 100g of the shoots (1). The protein we all know is the main building block there is very essential for the normal and healthy growth of the body. Plant protein is important for strong bones and is also one of the best alternatives for vegetarians.

3. Carbohydrate content

Depending upon the species of Bamboo the carbohydrate content varies between 3 to 5 g per 100 grams of the shoots. Carbohydrates are the main source of energy for the body. It helps in protecting against many harmful diseases related to cardiovascular and type 2 diabetes and digestive health.

4. Vitamins

Bamboo shoots are a very good source of potassium, Vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin B6, Thiamine, riboflavin, and Niacin. Therefore eating bamboo shoots helps in keeping the body and mind healthy.

5. Mineral-rich

Not only bamboo shoots are rich in vitamins, but also it was found in a study (1) that bamboo shoots are very much fortified with around 10 different types of minerals like Cr, Zn, Mn, Mg, Ni, Co, Cu.

6. Low in fat

Bamboo shoots are low in fat content and have essential fatty acids (2). Therefore consuming bamboo shoots are good for reducing body weight and blood cholesterol. Therefore people with diabetic and cardiothoracic problems (4) can eat bamboo shoots for the betterment of their health.

7. High in iron

Bamboo shoots are high in iron content, therefore, persons with low hemoglobin content, children and pregnant women, and women who are going through their menopause (5) stage can take bamboo for maintaining proper Hb levels in the body.

8. High selenium

Selenium is known as the miracle life element (5). Bamboo shoots contain selenium which is very helpful for the heart and acts as an antioxidant and other health-related problems.

Bamboo shoots health benefits

1. Controls blood pressure

Eating bamboo shoots helps in controlling the blood pressure of the body. Bamboo shoots as discussed above contain a high amount of dietary fibers. Dietary fibers help in absorbing unwanted bad cholesterol (LDL and VLDL) from the body.

2. Antidiabetic

Again bamboo shoots because of their high fiber and low-fat content are very beneficial for diabetic persons. As the dietary fibers help in absorbing insulin from the body thus keeping a check on it.

3. Healthy stomach

Fibers help in keeping the digestive tract healthy. It provides a proper bowel movement thus keeping the body active for the whole day.

4. Reduce obesity

Bamboo shoots due to the presence of high fiber help in reducing obesity as it is low in fat and absorbs unwanted cholesterols from the body. Also, bamboo shoots contain low fat which adds up to further weight loss.

5. Appetizer

Bamboo shoots are high in cellulose content. The shoots are tender-crisp and crunchy. The sweetness of the tender shoots enhanced the taste, therefore, is considered an appetizer (5).

6. Antioxidant

Bamboo shoots are rich in flavonoids, tannins, and other minerals like selenium. Therefore eating young shoots helps in checking the free radicals of the body and keeps the body healthy and cancer-proof.

7. Maintain hemoglobin level

Bamboo shoots are rich in iron, therefore, it helps in restoring the blood hemoglobin level and thus are very beneficial for anemic persons, pregnant women, growing children, and women who are passing from the menopause stage (5).

8. Mental health

Bamboo shoots contain selenium (5). Selenium not only helps in maintaining physical health but also helps in maintaining proper mental health and thyroid level of the body. Therefore easing young bamboo shoots are good for the proper functioning of the body and mind.

Precaution to take and side effects of Bamboo Shoots 

Young and fresh bamboo shoots when peeled are bitter in taste with a strong smell. This bitter taste is because of a cyanogenic glycoside taxiphyllin compound. Damaged tissue of bamboo secrets taxiphyllin secondary metabolite. This compound is toxic in nature and therefore not all bamboo species are edible. Therefore proper processing like soaking, boiling, cutting, and canning should be done in order to reduce the cyanide content of the shoots (2).

Around 70% of hydrogen cyanide is removed when the shoots are boiled at a temperature of 98 degrees centigrade for at least 20 mins (3). Only one variety of bamboo is used for this research. Therefore before consuming the bamboo shoot please consider the detoxification process of that variety or species.

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