Bamboo Shoots Health Benefits

Bamboo shoots are found in Asia, and are a popular ingredient, particularly in Chinese food. They are loved mainly for their crunchy quality and rich aroma. Available in canned and frozen forms throughout the year, bamboo shoots are found fresh only in the months of March and April, as it is a vegetable of the spring. Adding bamboo shoots to your diet will not only add some variety to your regular meals, but will also reward you with numerous health benefits.

Health Benefits of Bamboo Shoots

What are the health benefits of bamboo shoots? Why is its intake recommended? How is the consumption of bamboo shoots important for your well-being? We have all the answers here.

• The most important aspect about bamboo shoots, that a majority of people are unaware of, is that it is very low in calories. 100 grams of bamboo shoots have only 27 calories. As such, they are an extremely viable option for people watching their weight.
• Another important health benefit of bamboo shoots that is useful for those aiming for weight loss, is that it has a very high fiber content. Thus, it takes care of those hunger pangs that distract us all day. Also, the high fiber content helps in aiding digestion, curing constipation, and is generally, extremely beneficial for digestive health.
• For those looking for natural remedies to reduce cholesterol levels, look no further. Studies have shown that the consumption of bamboo shoots has been found to actively reduce 'bad' cholesterol levels in the body, thereby reducing the risk of potential heart disease.
• Bamboo shoots are high in potassium, a mineral that is useful to regulate blood pressure, and mainly lower high blood pressure. Thus, consumed along with other potassium rich foods, bamboo shoots can effectively keep a check on the blood pressure levels.
• Bamboo shoots have antioxidant properties that are useful in fighting cancer, and strengthening the overall immune system. It also has anti-inflammatory components that are effective in reducing the risk of potentially severe diseases.
• Fibrous bamboo shoots are also known to act as cooling agents for the body.
• Bamboo shoots have been used traditionally as ingredients in herbal medicines to reduce spasms caused in the gallbladder.

How to Cook with Bamboo Shoots

You can create delicious and healthy meals, not only for yourself, but also for your family after learning about the health benefits of bamboo shoots.

• When using fresh bamboo shoots, remove the hard cover till you can see the tender portion of the shoots. The basic rule to be followed while cooking bamboo shoots is to first rid them of hydrocyanic acid, by boiling them in water for about 20-25 minutes, and rinsing them thoroughly thereafter.
• Cooked bamboo shoots can be added to stir fried vegetables that include chicken, pork or tofu.
• Bamboo shoots can also be part of a salad. However, they have to be cooked for this purpose. A simple recipe is to cook a little spinach in some peanut oil, and toss in thin slices of bamboo shoots with salt and pepper.
• Thinly sliced canned or cooked bamboo shoots can be added to any mixed vegetable soup that include other vegetables of your choice.
• Do remember, that to maintain the crunchiness and nutrients of bamboo shoots, it is important that they be the last ingredient to be added in any cooked dish.
• Canned bamboo shoots should be emptied from the can and stored in fresh water in the refrigerator, with the water being changed daily. This way the bamboo shoots will last for up to two weeks.

Treat yourself to some delicious and crunchy bamboo shoots, and reward yourself with all the marvelous health benefits they have to offer. Whether you are a weight watcher, a health and fitness freak, or just someone who enjoys trying out a variety of exotic vegetables, bamboo shoots are for you.

Disclaimer: This Buzzle article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert advice.