Health Benefits of Bamboo Shoots

The shoots of the bamboo plant is native to Asia, and a popular ingredient in Asian dishes, especially in Chinese food. Bamboo shoots (new bamboo culms that come out of the ground) of the bamboo are available in supermarkets in various sliced forms, both fresh and canned versions. The canned bamboo shoots are easier to obtain than fresh shoots. After opening the can, you can rinse them in hot water to get remove the unpleasant smell and taste of the shoots. Another option is to briefly blanch them. Unused bamboo shoots should be stored in the refrigerator in a jar of water, with the water changed daily.

There are two kind of edible bamboo shoots, the winter and spring shoots. Spring shoots are larger and tougher than winter shoots, which are considered to be a delicacy.

Nutritive Values : Per 100 gm.

• Vitamin A : 20 I.U.
• Vitamin B : Thiamine .15 mg.
• Riboflavin : .07 mg.
• Niacin : 6 mg.
• Vitamin C : 4 mg.
• Calcium : 13 mg.
• Iron : .5 mg.
• Phosphorus : 59 mg.
• Fat : .3 gm.
• Carbohydrates : 5.2 gm.
• Protein : 2.6 gm.
• Calories : 27

Health Benefits:

• The high fiber content of bamboo shoots can help prevent chronic constipation.
• Bamboo shoots can help remove stomach worms.
• Bamboo shoots can help reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol in the body.
• Obesity (for weight reduction due to low calorie content
• Help prevent high blood pressure
• Help remedy toxemia (internal poisoning)