Also known as: Bambusa vulgaris
Bamboo shoots are the young sprouts of bamboo and their highly nutritious and medicinal properties have been known in the Asian community since the Chinese Tang Dynasty 2,500 years ago.
Bamboo shoots can lower LDL cholesterol and protect the bowels due to their phytosterols and polyphenols which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. They can also improve appetite and digestion, help with weight loss and help to treat cardiovascular diseases and cancer.
The lignans in bamboo shoots have anticancer, antibacterial and antiviral activity. The shoots are free from residual toxicity as they grow without the need for hazardous fertilizers or pesticides.
Significant nutrients in bamboo shoots
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Lignans
- Protein
- Fibre
- Vitamin B1 (thiamine)
- Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)
- Vitamin B3 (niacin)
- Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid)
- Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)
- Vitamin B9 (foliate)
- Vitamin C
The resin collected from the knots in the stems of bamboo is called tabashir and has powerful anti-aging properties due to its silica content. Silica enhances the function of boron, calcium, iron, magnesium and potassium.
Related subjects
- Bowel disorders
- Cancer
- Digestive disorders
- Heart disease
- High cholesterol
- Obesity