Bamboo shoot (Phyllostachys) is a perennial and evergreen plant of the family Poaceae. It is native to Asia being naturalized to Europe, Australia, Asia, and America. Bamboo shoots were firstly originated to Southern China. Due to its wide diversification, it spread from the Chile to the Himalayas. But due to the weather conditions, it could not be cultivated in Europe, Canada, Western Asia and Antarctica. Today bamboo shoots are widely cultivated in Eastern and South Eastern Asia. Bamboo shoots are used in various cuisines and salads. It is also called Bamboo sprouts. Bamboo is also used as a sustainable alternative to many household products by swapping out traditional plastic items for bamboo products. Bamboo adapts well to the tropical and subtropical climate and thrives in well drained soils. Bamboo can live upto 20 years.

Plant

Bamboo is the perennial evergreen plant that reaches from 1-120 foot tall. The plant is cylindrical, hollow in shape with 0.25 inch-12 inch as a diameter. The outer skin of the Bamboo is smooth. The leaves are alternately arranged with flat, thin and smooth texture. Bamboo yields purple-violet flowers in spring and summer. The woody stems are yellowish which holds tough roots.

Shoots

Bamboo shoots are cone shaped, 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) long and 2 ¾ inches (6.5 cm) as a diameter. The shoots are yellow having the brown markings. The taste is bitter acidic having the mild and sweet flavor. The two main varieties of Bamboo shoots are: winter shoots and spring shoots.

Nutritional Value

120 gm of Bamboo shoots contains 14 calories, 0.26 gm fat, 1.84 gm protein and 1.2 gm dietary fiber. It possesses the phenolic acids which is an antioxidant. It is also rich in amino acids, carbohydrates, protein, sugar, fat, minerals and fiber.

Health Benefits of Bamboo Shoots

Bamboo shoots possess adequate nutrients, protein, vitamins and minerals along with antioxidant, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties which helps to prevent the health ailments. It is an excellent source of potassium that assists to retain the normal heart beat and blood pressure. The regular intake of Bamboo shoots helps to enhance the cholesterol health. It is used as a food throughout the world.

1. Weight loss

Bamboo shoots contain the negligible amount of carbohydrates, calories and sugars which assist to lose weight. It makes the stomach full for long time so, it assists the people to lose weight.

2. Healthy heart

The research shows that Bamboo shoots possess phytonutrients and phytosterols which help to eliminate the harmful cholesterols in the body which results in the smooth flow of blood in the body. (1)

3. Maintains cholesterol

The intake of Bamboo shoots helps to reduce LDL cholesterol levels by balancing the glucose levels. It possess low amount of fat and calories. The research shows that the intake of bamboo shoots has the positive effects on the function of bowel, lipids and cholesterols. (2)

4. Prevent cancer

The study made on the research shows that the leaves of bamboo shoots possess the phytosterols such as amylase, flavone and chlorophyll which controls the mutations and cancer. (3)

5. Enhance immunity

Bamboo shoots possess the minerals and vitamins which help to enhance the immune system of the body. The presence of antioxidants, minerals and vitamins intensify the body from inside as well as outside. (4)

6. High amount of dietary fiber

The dietary fiber found in bamboo shoots assist in the digestion and ease bowel movements. This assists to lose the weight due to the high presence of fiber and low calories.

7. Anti-inflammation

The research shows that analgesic and ant inflammatory properties are found in the bamboo shoots which help to treat ulcers. The juice which is extracted from bamboo shoots aids the ulcers and external wounds.

8. Respiratory ailments

Bamboo shoots effectively treat respiratory ailments. A decoction made from the shoots should be taken with honey. A decoction could be made by boiling the shoots in the water twice. (5)

9. Treats poisoning

The bamboo extracts are used in Ayurvedic medicine with a belief that it possesses anti-venomous properties. It is used to treat the scorpion and snake bites. (6)

10. Acts as Uterotonic

It is believed that the Bamboo shoots provide the uterine contractions. It is used as a supplement of medicine when the delivery date is pending during the last month of the pregnancy. The research shows that Bamboo is listed among the uterotonic plants. (7)

11. Stomach health

Bamboo shoots helps to treat stomach disorders. The leaves of the bamboo are an aid to eliminate the intestinal worms and stomach ailments.

12. Cleans wound

Bamboo shoots are also used to clean the sores and wounds.

13. Maintains blood pressure

Bamboo shoots provide a good amount of potassium which is an electrolyte that is essential to maintain as well as to lower the blood pressure.

How to Eat

• It could be served as a vegetable side dish along with butter, soy sauce or pepper.
• It is also add to salads, curries, soups, vegetable dishes.
• Bamboo shoots could be sliced, roasted, boiled, marinated, grilled, sautéed, braised or stir-fried.
• It could be added to chicken salad or tuna.
• It is also used to fill dumplings or spring rolls.
• Bamboo shoots could be pickled or used as seasonings and garnishes.

Bamboo shoot – Phyllostachys Facts

Bamboo shoots are the edible sprouts which belong to the family Poaceae. They are largest and fastest growing plants. The shoots are tender and crisp which resembles the flavor of the corn. It possesses a neutral taste when boiled. Bamboo shoots are available fresh as well as canned.

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