Wellness
The Bamboo shoot has been prominent in asian culture for centuries, modern research is now hailing this as a modern natural medicine. The shoots are free from residual toxicity and grow without the application of fertilizers, high in protein, they contain 17 amino acids, 8 of which the body needs.carbohydrates, minerals including magnesium, potassium, calcium, manganese, zinc, copper, iron, chromium and several vitamins including high in A, B6, E,C & K. Bamboo shoots contain phytosterols and a high amount of fiber. They should be eaten young and fresh when the nutrition level is at their highest. They are one of the fastest growing crops in the world and are predominately being used in food service in western cultures in place of other cereal products etc for their more positive health benefits and low-cost factor
Some health benefits include
Antioxidant the shoots also contain anticarcinogenic agents which effectively reduces the free radicals that can produce harmful carcinogens. It is believed that bamboo extract may have an antioxidant effect.
Anti inflammatory with the evident contribution of phytosterols and unsaturated fatty acids.
Anti Viral due to the presence of lignans that are an important component of fibre.
Prevents Constipation due to the presence of lignans that are an important component of fibre.
Menopause according to chinese medicine the shoots are a cool food that help balance the hormones-progesterone & estrogen.
Cholesterol lowering due to phytosterols capability to lower serum cholesterol levels.
Cancer prevention due to the presence of lignans an important component of fiber, experiments have suggested that phytosterols possess anticancer effects.
Appetizer the high cellulosic content of bamboo shoots stimulates appetite.
Weight loss
Low Calories almost none present making it excellent for calorie control.
High Fibre helps move waste products quickly through the body.
Low Fats the fat content is extremely low in bamboo shoots.
Speeds Metabolism due to high magnesium content.
Beauty
Anti bacterial due to the phytochemical content.
Assist wound healing Bamboo shoots can be used to clean up wounds. Sores can be cleaned with the juice of bamboo shoots.
Unprocessed fresh bamboo shoots contain cyanogenic glycosides. To make them safe, slice fresh bamboo shoots in half lengthwise, peel the outer leaves away and trim any fibrous tissue at the base. Then slice them thinly into strips and boil in lightly salted water for eight to ten minutes.
Use them in salads, soups, curries, stir fries. The chinese cook in a little sesame oil.
Canned or dried bamboo shoots are widely available and are easy to use but do not have as much nutritional value
Thai style bamboo shoot recipe just for you
1 cup bamboo shoots (cooked as above and shredded)
1 spring onion chopped
1 tablespoon Vietnamese mint leaves
1 tablespoon picked coriander leaves
3 tablespoons fish sauce
1 tablespoon grated palm sugar
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
2 tablespoons lime juice
200 gm cooked rice vermicelli noodles
Method
Mix all ingredients below and serve
“Next time you visit your grocer ask for fresh bamboo shoots and put the good stuff back into your diet “
