DISCOVERING THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF EATING BAMBOO SHOOTS
WHAT ARE BAMBOO SHOOTS?
You have probably had bamboo shoots in a delicious stir fry or even in a nice steaming bowl of hot and sour soup. They add a delightful crunch, but they are hardly thought about in the grand scheme of things.
However, as it turns out, bamboo shoots have great health benefits, such as providing a great source of fiber and boosting the immune system. The next time you are enjoying Asian cuisine, you might want to pay more attention to these crunchy little bean sprouts.
Bamboo shoots are a popular and nutritious ingredient in many Asian cuisines, and they offer several health benefits when included in your diet. Here are some of the health benefits of eating bamboo shoots:
BAMBOO SHOOTS
Bamboo shoots are little sprouts that spring up adjacent to the bamboo plant. One of the fastest-growing plants in the world, bamboo can grow up to 100 cm a day, helping to give its reputation of being the tallest in the grass family.
The bamboo plant is popular in Asian cultures, where every single part of the plant is utilized. You may have heard of bamboo being used to make furniture, houses, floor mats, and even musical instruments.
Bamboo shoots are commonly incorporated in Asian cuisine. You can either purchase fresh bamboo shoots or canned ones. When storing fresh bamboo shoots, be sure to store them in a cool, dry place. Fresh bamboo shoots left out in the sunlight develop an unpleasant bitter taste. Canned bamboo shoots have a considerably longer shelf life.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF BAMBOO SHOOTS
1) NUTRITIONAL VALUE
Bamboo shoots make a great nutritious addition to any meal. Bamboo shoots contain the following vitamins and minerals:
Vitamin A: Essential to eye health and bone development. Vitamin A also ensures strong teeth and bones, while keeping your skin soft and moisturized.
Vitamin B6: Vitamin B6 stimulates the metabolism while boosting the immune system. Vitamin B6 is also for regulating hormones and helping to maintain emotional stability.
Thiamine: Thiamine maintains a healthy immune system while helping to ensure the health of your heart. Thiamine also increases energy production and protects the nerves by helping them to develop strong myelin sheaths.
- Riboflavin: Riboflavin provides your body with a significant amount of energy. It also aids in producing red blood cells and encourages the development of healthy tissues and organs.
And another
Bamboo shoots are a common ingredient in many Asian dishes.
They’re often enjoyed boiled or canned and boast a crisp texture and mild, earthy flavor.
Despite their popularity, you may be unsure whether this vegetable is healthy and can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.
This article takes a closer look at the research to determine whether bamboo shoots are good for you.
Bamboo shoots have been associated with several potential health benefits.
May reduce cholesterol levels
Some studies suggest that bamboo shoots could help reduce your cholesterol levels to improve heart health.
For instance, one test-tube study showed that fibers extracted from this vegetable had powerful cholesterol-lowering properties.
Plus, a small, older study from 2009 among 8 healthy women found that consuming 12.7 ounces (360 grams) of bamboo shoots significantly decreased levels of total and LDL (bad) cholesterol after 6 days, compared with those following a control diet.
This may be due to the soluble fiber found in bamboo shoots. Soluble fiber absorbs water in the gut and has been linked to decreased cholesterol levels .
Promotes gut health
Bamboo shoots are a great source of fiber, with 2 grams in each 1-cup (155-gram) serving.
Fiber can promote regularity and may even protect against issues like hemorrhoids, diverticulitis, and colorectal cancer.
According to test-tube research, bamboo shoots also act as a prebiotic, meaning that they provide fuel for the beneficial bacteria in your gut.
Research shows that your gut microbiome may play a central role in health and disease and could help prevent conditions like heart disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, depression, and obesity.
May support weight loss
Bamboo shoots are low in calories but high in fiber, making them a great addition to a healthy weight-loss diet.
Fiber can help slow stomach emptying to help keep you feeling fuller for longer between meals.
According to a review of 62 studies, increasing fiber intake boosted weight loss and decreased belly fat, even without making any other diet modifications.
Emerging animal research also shows that these shoots could support gut health to benefit weight loss.
For example, one study found that feeding bamboo shoot fiber to mice on a high-fat diet helped protect against weight gain by enhancing gut microbiome health.
That said, more studies are needed to confirm its potential benefits for humans.
SUMMARY
Some research suggests that bamboo shoots could help lower cholesterol levels, improve gut health, and increase weight loss.
Health Beneficial Properties of Bamboo Shoots
