Bamboo shoots

Bamboos are a diverse group of evergreen perennial flowering plants in the family poaceae. It´s is estimated that there are upto 1500 species of bamboo worldwide. Some species like Bambusa vulgaris and Phyllostachys edulis are the common species used in cooking.The stem of the bamboos are usually hollow and have rhizomes which are undeground stems.

Bamboo shoot/ bamboo sprouts are the edible shoots of bamboo. But before consuming, the shoots need their fibrous exterior cut away,  and then the shoot need to be boiled. When  eaten raw, bamboo contains a toxin that produces cyanide in the gut. They are highly nutritious and contain a good amount of fiber, copper and vitamins B6 and E. It is used as an important health food as they contain high proteins, ammino acids, carbohydrates, many important minerals, and vitamins. Freshly collected bamboo shoots have good amount of thiamine and niacin. But before consuming, the shoot need their fibrous exterior

Modern research has revealed that the bamboo shoots have a number of health benefits: improving appetite and digestion, weight loss  and curing cardiovascular diseases and cancer. The shoots are reported to have anticancer, antibacterial and antiviral activity. It acts as a powerful antioxidant against inflammation and chronic diseases and also the fibre of the bamboo shoot act as a powerful cholesterol lowering properties.