Apart from its crunchy taste, it turns out that bamboo shoots are also beneficial for health. These are the various benefits of bamboo shoots that you need to know.
For fans of spring rolls or lodeh vegetables, you may be familiar with one of the typical Asian food ingredients, namely bamboo shoots. Basically, bamboo shoots are young bamboo or bamboo shoots that can be consumed.
Even though they don’t have abundant nutrition, bamboo shoots are crunchy to eat. This food also does not contain bad fats and only has a few calories, so it is very suitable for consumption when controlling body weight.
It doesn’t stop there, there are still a number of health benefits of bamboo shoots that you need to know.
1. Improves the digestive system
Food Composition Data, 100 grams of bamboo shoots contain high levels of fiber, namely 9.7 grams.
The high content of bamboo shoots in this one can increase the bulk of stool, as well as soften it.
If you are experiencing constipation or difficulty defecating, consuming bamboo shoots can help stool pass through the large intestine more easily. That way, you don’t have to push excessively or wait a long time when you want to defecate.
2. Increases skin elasticity
Bamboo shoots are known as plants that are rich in silica content. Basically, silica is a substance found in the body that is useful for increasing levels of hydroxyproline, an amino acid needed for the synthesis of collagen and elastin.
Because it can support collagen production, the benefits of eating bamboo shoots can help the skin to be well hydrated, have a smooth texture and glow.
3. Reduces Bad Cholesterol Levels
Not only is it good for digestion, but the benefits of bamboo shoots which contain fiber can also reduce bad cholesterol in the blood.
“Bad cholesterol (LDL) can cause health problems, such as blockages in the blood vessels which can increase the risk of coronary heart disease and other diseases related to blood vessels,”.
Doctor Andika continued, that one of the factors that influences the body’s cholesterol levels is the habit of consuming too much food containing saturated fat. Fortunately, bamboo shoots do not contain saturated fat, so they are safe to consume.
4. Stabilizes blood sugar levels
Foods that are high in fiber, especially soluble fiber, generally have a low glycemic index. Likewise with bamboo shoots.
Soluble fiber will slow down glucose absorption, so it does not cause a sudden increase in blood sugar levels after eating.
For this reason, eating bamboo shoots is the best choice when someone wants to control their blood sugar.
5. Reduces the risk of heart disease and cancer
The phenolic acid compounds in bamboo shoots can provide good antioxidant protection for heart disease and cancer.
Bamboo shoots also contain phytosterols and phytonutrients which can maintain heart function and reduce the risk of heart disease.
In fact, the phytochemicals in bamboo shoots, namely lignans, also have antifungal and antiviral properties. For this reason, the properties of bamboo shoots can prevent the body from being attacked by disease.
6. Fights inflammation
Bamboo shoots are a good source of vitamins and minerals to reduce inflammation in the body. The reason is, inflammation can cause serious health problems, if not treated immediately.
To get this function of bamboo shoots, try adding bamboo shoots to the vegetable salad you make.
7. Reduces the risk of colon cancer
It turns out that the risk of colon cancer can be reduced by consuming foods high in fiber, one of which is bamboo shoots.
This is all thanks to the fiber content in bamboo shoots which can protect the large intestine. In fact, bamboo shoots are also prebiotic or provide food for good bacteria in the intestines.
8. Supports Bone Health
The mineral and vitamin content in bamboo shoots can help increase bone density and strength. This can certainly prevent osteoporosis.
Apart from that, the high antioxidants in bamboo shoots can also fight free radicals, so they can improve joint function.
9. Improves the Immune System
Apparently, the benefits of bamboo shoots can also be consumed to improve the immune system, you know. The benefits of bamboo shoots can maximize the production of white blood cells which are responsible for defending the body against infection.
In fact, this benefit can also be obtained by pregnant women. Maybe many people are curious, can pregnant women eat bamboo shoots?
In fact, bamboo shoots can be consumed during pregnancy. However, it is recommended to only eat it about 1-2 days a month. Bamboo shoots for pregnant women can strengthen the body’s immunity and prevent flu.
10. Has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties
Bamboo shoots have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help cell rejuvenation and growth. Apart from that, bioactive compounds such as phytosterols in bamboo shoots are antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-allergic, and anti-aging.
The benefits of bamboo shoots for men and women can help keep skin healthy and youthful.
11. Treats Gastric Disorders
The benefits of bamboo shoots for stomach acid have apparently become common knowledge in various Asian countries. This bamboo shoot is often used as a supplement to help overcome digestive disorders.
Not only that, bamboo shoots are also used as an effective treatment for stomach ulcers.
12. Overcoming Respiratory Disorders
Various vitamins and compounds contained in bamboo shoots can improve lung function. For those of you who experience respiratory problems, of course consuming bamboo shoots is an option that is worth trying.
Boiled bamboo shoots added with a little honey can help overcome respiratory problems, such as expelling phlegm, allergies or asthma.
13. Stimulates appetite
Apart from its crunchy texture, eating bamboo shoots can also help increase your appetite. You see, the high concentration of cellulose in bamboo can stimulate appetite.
It is suitable for consumption by someone who experiences indigestion and nausea.
14. Helps Lose Weight
When you consume 3.5 ounces or the equivalent of 3/4 cup of cooked bamboo shoots, you will get around 12-19 calories. Apart from that, bamboo shoots also do not contain bad fats and sodium. For this reason, you no longer need to be afraid of fat accumulation in your body.
In canned bamboo shoots, this product contains 3 grams of carbohydrates. Meanwhile, fresh bamboo shoots contain 2 grams of carbohydrates. However, these two products offer 1.6 grams of protein.
However, this benefit cannot be felt fully if you process bamboo shoots with coconut milk, oil, or other mixtures that have the potential to damage the properties of bamboo shoots.
15. Makes hair thicker
The silica contained in bamboo shoots can also support hair growth to make it thicker. This substance can strengthen hair, thereby reducing the risk of hair loss.
The less hair loss, the thicker and fuller the hair will appear.
Well, those are some of the benefits of consuming bamboo shoots. However, make sure to eat bamboo shoots by simply boiling or sautéing them. The problem is, if it is processed with other spices, this can reduce the health benefits of bamboo shoots.