Bamboo shoots (also called bamboo sprouts) are derived from the edible part of the bamboo plant. They are widely used as a main ingredient in East Asian cuisine, yet their cooking properties are underestimated in the other parts of the world.
This food is considered to be vegetable and has a very mild earthy and nutty taste, similar to the water chestnut. You can find it in different forms: fresh, canned, fermented, etc. But apart from being a delicious cooking ingredient, bamboo has amazing healthy properties!
However, as the bamboo is not a popular food, its nutritional value is surprising for many people!
And this article will show you the health benefits of eating bamboo shoots!
Are bamboo shoots good for digestion?
Bamboo shoots are very rich in dietary fiber. As a result, they can effectively promote a healthy digestion process and stimulate the proper absorption of nutrients in the stomach and intestines. [1]
That being said, dietary fiber in bamboo shoots may prevent sharp spikes in the blood sugar levels and, at the same time, stimulate the reproduction of healthy gut bacteria (acting as probiotic fiber).
Besides, the cellulose in bamboo can stimulate proper bowel movement! This supports balance in our microbiota, prevents and relieves constipation and diarrhea, and supports the effective functioning of our digestive system.
Are bamboo shoots rich in antioxidants?
According to a research piece by the Institute of Food Technologies, bamboo shoots can be powerful antioxidants because of their phenolic compounds content.
As a result, this vegetable may reduce the oxidative stress in the body, protect the body cells from free radicals damage, mutation, and abnormalities, as well as reduce inflammation. This way, bamboo can be considered as a superfood that supports the healthy function of our organs, tissues, and body cells!
Do bamboo shoots improve heart health?
One big factor in the development of cardiac diseases is high blood pressure.
That being said, evidence suggests that the high content of vitamin K in bamboo shoots may positively affect, balance, and support healthy blood pressure levels and decrease the negative effects of sodium overconsumption (as eating too much salt is associated with hypetension). [2]
Besides, the fiber in bamboo shoots is associated with improved cholesterol profile: reduced LDL (bad cholesterol) and total cholesterol, as well as improved HLD (good cholesterol). [3]
That makes bamboo shoots heart-protective food that may lower the risk of heart disease, pulse irregularities, and hypertension.
Do bamboo shoots help in weight loss?
As bamboo shoots are rich in fiber, they keep you full for a long time. As a result, they can help you to lose weight, prevent obesity, reduce your calorie intake during the day and eventually achieve a caloric deficit (when you burn more calories than you consume).
Besides, one study found that the regular consumption of bamboo shoots may play a role in improving insulin sensitivity (when your body cells react to insulin and use the blood glucose effectively). [4] Still more research is needed to support this claim, but for now bamboo shoots can be considered a YES food for patients with insulin resistance and prediabetes.
Can bamboo shoots prevent cancer?
Evidence suggests that various nutrients in bamboo shoots, like phenolic compounds, dietary fibres, and phytosterols are associated with anti-cancerous properties. [5]
Taking that into consideration, bamboo shoots can be assumed to potentially possess anti-cancerous properties and the consumption of this food may play a role in the prevention of various types of cancer.
Yet, more studies need to take place in order to support those assumptions.
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