Find out what makes bamboo shoots a powerhouse of nutrition

“Bamboo shoots play an important role in the function of pituitary and thyroid glands, which are involved in producing and regulating hormones," said Sumaiya A, Clinical Dietitian, Fortis Hospital, Kalyan

By: Lifestyle Desk

New Delhi | March 24, 2023 09:10 AM IST

4 min read

Bamboo shoots have immense potential of being used as important health food as they have high content of useful protein, amino acids, carbohydrates, have many important minerals and vitamins and are low in fat. (Pic source: Pixabay)

Bamboo shoots are the edible sprouts of bamboo plants that are used in the preparation of many Asian, and even certain Indian, cuisines. Bamboo shoots, however, are not only enjoyed for their unique taste but are also known to be a powerhouse of nutrients owing to them being rich in numerous proteins, amino acids, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins, and low in fat. This is probably why, it was also featured by Loveneet Batra, a nutritionist, as part of her ‘Food in Focus’ series on Instagram.

As such, sharing that bamboo shoots can help promote gut health, protect the heart, is good for skin and bones, and support fat loss, the expert shared some amazing health benefits. Check them out below:

Prevent constipation. The bamboo shoot has a relatively high content, of up to 4 per cent, cellulose, which increases the peristaltic movement of the intestines and aids digestion. It also prevents constipation and decreases body fat. Further, it acts as a prebiotic, meaning that it provides fuel for the beneficial bacteria in the gut.

Lower bad cholesterol. Bamboo shoots are rich in phytosterols, which are ideal for lowering harmful LDL or bad cholesterol. This improves blood circulation and promotes overall cardiovascular health. Due to its high content of vitamin K, bamboo helps to maintain normal blood pressure and is labelled as a heart-protective vegetable.

Help in collagen synthesis. Bamboo shoots are known to be rich in silica, the third most overflowing element in the human body after zinc and iron. Silica increases tissue levels of hydroxyproline, a key amino acid required for collagen and elastin synthesis.

Increase bone density. Bamboo shoots are rich in calcium and manganese, which increase bone density and strength. Furthermore, they house a lot of vitamin C, which aids in the absorption of other critical minerals for bone health.

Aid in weight loss. They are low in calories but high in fibre, making them a great addition to a healthy weight loss diet. Fibre can help slow stomach emptying to help keep you feeling fuller for longer between meals.

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Speaking with indianexpress.com, Sumaiya A, Clinical Dietitian, Fortis Hospital, Kalyan agreed that bamboo shoots indeed have numerous health benefits. “Bamboo shoots also play an important role in the function of pituitary and thyroid glands, which are involved in producing and regulating hormones”.

“Additionally, the presence of high fiber and phytosterols in bamboo shoots reduces fat and cholesterol levels of the blood, making them one of the most sought-after health foods among patients with lifestyle related disorders. Their dietary fiber possesses a number of health benefits as it controls blood pressure, hypertension, obesity and also protects the body from coronary diseases and potential carcinogens. These shoots are rich in minerals that are essential for functioning of metabolic activities. The minerals are potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium and iron”.

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The best way to add bamboo shoots to your diet, according to Sumaiya A, includes cooking it in different ways — “boil, stir-fry with vegetables, or cook with fish/meat. They should, however, be processed properly before consuming. This is because freshly harvested shoots have content of toxins like cyanogenic glycosides that may pose serious health problems”.

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