Bamboo shoot is one of the most popular indigenous foods of Northeast states.
Apart from their distinct taste, bamboo shoot is loved for their many amazing health benefits. Studies have found that bamboo shoots can help prevent cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity.
The research found that bamboo shoots have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. They are rich in flavonoids, tannins, and selenium. These compounds help in fighting free radicals and keep the body healthy and cancer-resistant.
Benefits of Bamboo shoots
Research revealed that bamboo shoots have several health benefits. It aids in improving your appetite and digestion, supports weight loss, and protects your cardiovascular health. Recent studies also found that bamboo shoots have anti-cancer, anti-bacterial, and antiviral activities. Here are some of the amazing benefits of bamboo shoots –
Aids in Weight loss
Bamboo shoot is an excellent food option for those wanting to lose weight. They are low in carbs, calories, and sugars. It’s rich in fiber that keeps you full for a long time and lowers your hunger pangs. Another study found that bamboo shoots promote gut health which further aids weight loss.
Bamboo shoots also contain compounds like triterpenoids and flavonoids. These compounds have an anti-fatigue effect and help in increasing your endurance during workouts.
It helps with a healthy heart
Research shows that bamboo shoots contain phytonutrients and phytosterols. These compounds can help remove harmful cholesterol and balance glucose levels. This can ease cholesterol out of the arteries and maintain a smooth supply of blood throughout the body.
The bamboo shoot also improves blood circulation and promotes overall cardiovascular health. They are high in potassium, an essential nutrient that can help maintain your blood pressure. Cardiologists recommend eating bamboo shoots daily to keep your heart protected.
It can increase your immunity
Bamboo shoots contain essential minerals and vitamins that help improve your body’s immune system. It contains antioxidants that protect your body against harmful free radicals. Bamboo shoots contain bioactive polyphenols that can reduce inflammation and regulate immune responses to prevent many chronic diseases.
Some studies found that eating bamboo shoots during the monsoon and winter can help prevent viral and bacterial infections. It also aids in removing intestinal worms and parasites. Regular intake of bamboo shoots can increase your body’s resistance to viral attacks. It also helps prevent neurodegenerative diseases.
It contains a high amount of dietary fiber
Bamboo shoot is rich in fiber which is great for digestion and proper bowel movements. It also reduces bloating and aids in treating constipation. Bamboo shoots can help treat stomach disorders and aid in relieving constipation.
High fiber consumption may also promote other aspects of your digestive health. Some studies suggest that it can prevent hemorrhoids and colorectal cancer. In addition to that, the fiber in bamboo shoots can help feed the good gut bacteria.
Bamboo shoot is the antidote
Folklorists suggest the juice extracted from bamboo shoots is an effective remedy against poisoning. It has been used in traditional medicine to treat snake bites, scorpion bites, and other poisonous animals. Traditional practitioners suggest drinking bamboo juice and applying it locally can help take out the poison.
Bamboo shoots can induce uterine contractions
Bamboo shoots can also be very beneficial during pregnancy. It aids in normal delivery by controlling uterine contraction. In traditional medicines, pregnant women are advised to take bamboo shoots during the last trimester to induce natural labor.
Bamboo shoots are rich in iron, so, it helps to restore blood hemoglobin levels and hence is very beneficial for anemic individuals, pregnant women, growing children, and women who have passed through the menopause stage.
Bamboo shoots can help prevent diabetes
Some studies suggest that bamboo shoots can help regulate your blood sugar levels and help prevent diabetes. Their high fiber and low-fat content help in absorbing insulin from the body. Bamboo shoots are a good source of antioxidants, which can help fight against free radicals and help boost the immune system. This helps keep glucose levels low and reduce the risk of diabetes.
Bamboo shoots are also rich in protein, carbohydrates, and minerals while being low in sugar and fat. This makes it an ideal snack for diabetes. Also, they have a low glycaemic index. This provides a slow release of sugar into the bloodstream and helps maintain insulin sensitivity.
How to use bamboo shoots?
Bamboo shoots can be boiled and blended in various dishes. Boiled shoots can also be added to soups, stews, salads, and gravies. You can also have bamboo shoots in the form of pickles.
Caution!
Bamboo shoots can be harmful to your body if eaten raw. Some studies show that some bamboo shoots produce cyanide in the gut. Consult your doctor before including them in your diet, especially if you are suffering from a chronic condition.
Your Takeaway!
Bamboo shoots are not widely consumed across India but they are super rich and nutritious. They can offer a range of benefits, from promoting your heart health to aiding weight loss, improving digestive health to promoting bone health. Bamboo shoot is a great anti-inflammatory agent that helps fight inflammation which is a major cause of most chronic diseases. Thus, adding bamboo shoots to your diet is a good idea. But make sure to consult a doctor before adding it to your diet.
