benefits of bamboo shoots

Due to the high potassium content in bamboo shoots, they help in keeping the blood pressure under control. Bamboo shoots also have stabilizing effects on the arterial blood pressure. Fresh bamboo shoots are a seasonal delicacy. In the USA, fresh shoots, especially frozen, are generally imported from China and Taiwan. However, vacuum packed or canned bamboo shoots from the supermarkets around the year.

Regular consumption of bamboo shoots are known to work wonders for cholesterol health. By reducing LDL levels significantly, these shoots fight the risk of heart diseases. If you are buying fresh shoots, look for fresh harvest. Choose firm and heavy sprouts with wide base and intact leaves. Avoid soft, dry roots. Take a close look at the base of the root whether or not it turning to green hue. Greenish discoloration indicates that the root was exposed to sunlight for a long time, over matured and bitter in taste.

With a high amount of antioxidant properties, the shoots contribute towards averting the risk of colon cancer. Bamboo is good in minerals, especially manganese and copper. In addition, it has small amounts of some other essential minerals and electrolytes such as calcium, iron, and phosphorus. Manganese is used by the body as a co factor for the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase. Copper is required in the production of red blood cells. Iron is required for cellular respiration and red blood cell formation.

Apart from boosting the body s immunity, bamboo shoots have anti inflammatory properties which decrease the risk of contracting various chronic diseases. At home, fresh bamboo should be eaten as soon as they harvested. Otherwise, keep the unpeeled whole bamboo shoot wrapped inside a paper towel and place inside the refrigerator for 1 2 days.

Bamboo shoots have been referred to as an effective herbal remedy for alleviating spasms in the gallbladder. Raw bamboo shoots from the market should be processed before adding them in cooking. The whole process of shoots preparation has two steps; peeling its outer tough sheaths and de toxification of its inner meat in order to remove bitter compounds. One of the easier methods to peel bamboo shoot is to cut it lengthwise into two halves.

Other benefits of bamboo shoots are associated with treating baldness, itching, wound bleeding, cataracts and other eye problems, painful menstruation, burning sensations, bladder pain, gonorrheal infections and painful joints. Then peel its outer leaves starting from the base and working on towards the tip. Tim away any tough portion at the base. Then dice the shoot to your desired sizes. Place the cubes in a bowl of cold water.

Bamboo shoots can be bought fresh from the market or purchased in the canned forms. While the fresh ones are white and hairless, the canned versions are light yellow since they are slightly boiled beforehand. They may either be canned or sliced. Short and firm bamboo shoots are ideal. To check for freshness, look out for the colour i.e. they should be a creamy yellow. Avoid old or long bamboo shoots as they are woodier but the soft ones are no better as they taste stale and extremely bitter.

Fresh bamboo shoots can be easily stored in a refrigerator for up to two weeks. However, if stored for longer durations and exposed to sunlight, they are likely to develop a bitter taste, making it unpalatable. While storing bamboo shoots, place them whole and unpeeled in the coolest part of your refrigerator, preferably the crisper drawer. If you have bought the canned version of bamboo shoots, open the can and rinse the shoots in hot water to remove any unpleasant smell and taste. You may also blanch them prior to cooking. Alternatively, you can place the bamboo shoots in a jar with water and place it in a refrigerator. Change the water daily, until consumed. This way, they can last for up to two weeks.

One cup of boiled bamboo shoots contains just 14 calories. That is a much less than most other types of vegetables. For example, broccoli has over twice as many calories. In addition to this, bamboo shoots are a very high in fiber. This means that you will feel more full after eating them and will be able to resist snacking on more fatty foods

The high fiber content means that they are also great for lowering cholesterol. A study of women that was published in the journal Nutrition showed that those who ate bamboo shoots for a period of 6 days had decreased cholesterol levels compared to those who didn t eat them. In addition, the phytosterols and polyphenols responsible for lowering cholesterol are also known to have anti inflammatory properties.