Bamboo Shoots Nutritional Value and 12 Health Benefits
In many Asian countries, the bamboo plant is a major part of their culture. Naturally, the young shoots of the bamboo are also an integral part of the cuisine in these parts. Bamboo shoots can be relished in many ways they can be fried, pickled, and used as garnishes and flavorings in other dishes.
The shoots are treasured because of their crunchy texture and the pungent and sweet flavor that they infuse the dishes with. Many Asian cuisines get a lot of their eastern taste from the bamboo shoots which are identified much like spices are with South Asian cuisine. Leaving their culinary benefits aside, one need not be from the East to include them in the diet, as bamboo shoots are rich in vitamins and minerals.
Low in fat and calories, this is one food item that can be every WeightWatcher’s dream come true. It also has numerous other health benefits that make the shoots a potent health food. It can easily be included in any dish to liven up the taste with its characteristic taste and aroma. To familiarize yourself more with all the health and nutritional benefits bamboo shoots have to offer, continue reading further.
Bamboo Shoots Nutritional Value and Facts
Amount of Bamboo Shoots: 1 cup
Total Weight of Bamboo Shoots: 120 g
| Nutrients | Amount |
| Basic Components | |
| Protein | 1.8 g |
| Water | 115 g |
| Ash | 1.0 g |
| Calories | |
| Total Calories | 13.2 |
| Calories From Carbohydrate | 6.5 |
| Calories From Fat | 2.2 |
| Calories From Protein | 4.5 |
| Carbohydrates | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 1.8 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.2 g |
| Sugars | 31.9 g |
| Fats and Fatty Acids | |
| Total Fat | 0.3 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.1 g |
| Poly-saturated Fat | 0.1 g |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | 18.3 mg |
| Omega-6 Fatty Acids | 99.6 mg |
| Vitamins | |
| Vitamin B2 | 0.1 mg |
| Vitamin B3 | 0.4 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.1 mg |
| Folate | 2.4 mcg |
| Pantothenic Acid | 0.1 mg |
| Minerals | |
| Calcium | 14.4 mg |
| Iron | 0.3 mg |
| Magnesium | 3.6 mg |
| Phosphorus | 24.0 mg |
| Potassium | 640 mg |
| Copper | 0.1 mg |
| Zinc | 0.6 mg |
| Manganese | 0.1 mg |
| Selenium | 0.5 mcg |
Health Benefits Of Eating Bamboo Shoots
- Bamboo shoots are a rich storehouse of phytochemicals and so have many anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-cancer properties.
- They help in lowering high blood pressure because they are an excellent source of potassium. Just a cup of bamboo shoots is enough to provide a fifth of the daily potassium requirements.
- Bamboo shoots help reduce the Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL), also known as bad cholesterol in the body. Since they are very low in calories, they are highly beneficial for people who are obese. In addition, they are rich in fiber and so reduce frequent hunger pangs, which again is a boon for the obese. The juice of bamboo shoots is very effective in reducing intestinal worms.
- The risk of heart disease and other chronic diseases can be reduced by including bamboo shoots in the diet, as they are a good source of phenolic acids, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The potassium present in the shoots boosts the health of the heart. The anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties reduce the risk of cancer and injury to blood vessels.
- The shoots also play a major role in curing internal poisoning. Bamboo shoots also improve digestion and are very beneficial in various stomach disorders, specifically diarrhea. The shoots are known to improve the appetite.
- Since the shoots have good fiber content, they are beneficial in preventing erratic bowel movements and chronic constipation. A single bowl of bamboo shoots meets the daily fiber requirements of the body.
- Traditionally bamboo shoots have been used as home medicine to reduce and cure spasms in the gall bladder.
- The measles cycle in children can speed up if they are fed bamboo soup every day. The children should be given bamboo shoots twice a day. This will speed up the appearance of the measles rashes, which will result in a faster recovery.
- In traditional medicine, bamboo shoots have been used to stimulate and regulate menstruation. It can also be used to induce labor in the last months of pregnancy. After childbirth, it eases the expulsion of the placenta and prevents excessive loss of blood.
- Minor wounds can be cleaned using bamboo shoots. The juice can be used to clean the wounds that are maggot-infested. Make a poultice with the fresh juice of bamboo shoots and apply it on the sores.
- Drinking a glass of bamboo shoot juice twice a day can treat ulcers. Applying the juice to the ulcers is also quite effective.
- Bleeding piles and gonorrhea can be treated with bamboo shoots.
The juice of tender bamboo shoots mixed with a tablespoon of honey drunk twice a day can be used to treat respiratory diseases.
Culinary Marvel and Nutritional Powerhouse
Bamboo shoots, deeply embedded in Asian cuisine, offer a delightful array of flavors and textures. Beyond their culinary allure, these young shoots pack a nutritional punch, boasting low fat and calorie content, making them a dream for weight-conscious individuals.
Unveiling the Nutrient Treasure Trove
Delving into the nutritional breakdown of bamboo shoots reveals a wealth of essential components, including proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins (B2, B3, B6, and more), minerals (calcium, potassium, zinc, and more), and beneficial fatty acids.
The Health Fortification Offered by Bamboo Shoots
These humble shoots harbor an arsenal of health benefits. From their ability to aid in lowering blood pressure to reducing bad cholesterol levels, bamboo shoots also play a significant role in preventing heart disease and chronic illnesses due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Beyond the Plate: Medicinal Marvels
Traditionally used in home remedies, bamboo shoots exhibit medicinal prowess. From aiding digestion and treating stomach disorders to expediting recovery from measles in children, inducing labor, and even treating respiratory diseases, these shoots have a versatile range of therapeutic applications.
Healing Potential and Beyond
The healing potential of bamboo shoots extends to wound care, ulcers, bleeding piles, and gonorrhea. Their juice stands as a remedy for cleaning wounds, treating ulcers, and addressing various health concerns, offering a natural alternative for healing.
As an integral part of Asian culinary traditions and a reservoir of health benefits and medicinal properties, bamboo shoots stand not just as a flavorful addition to dishes but as a valuable resource in promoting wellness and healing across cultures and generations. Embracing these shoots in diet and remedies opens doors to a world of taste and health, bridging cultures through the shared appreciation for this versatile plant.