Health-conscious consumers have grown accustomed to the idea that when something is labeled a , it’s often just another marketing gimmick. However, recent research suggests that bamboo may actually deserve this title.
An international team of scientists analyzed 16 previous studies focused on the health benefits of bamboo. The authors of these studies conducted human trials and laboratory experiments to assess the effects of consuming bamboo shoots and products derived from this grass. (No mistake here: bamboo is indeed the tallest grass in the world).
The researchers noted a multitude of associated benefits: improved metabolism and , reduced inflammation, cellular toxicity, and a lower risk of developing various diseases.
“The results showed that consuming bamboo can bring numerous health benefits,” the researchers wrote in their report.
What else did the scientists report?
Experts already knew that bamboo is rich in , contains low fat, and is packed with nutrients and vitamins. However, this is the first study to analyze all existing scientific data on the benefits of bamboo, as reported by Science Alert.
One potential advantage of adding a few bamboo shoots to a stir-fry is improved glycemic control – the regulation of . This means that this plant could potentially help lower the risk of developing diabetes.
Bamboo in the diet has a probiotic effect – it increases the number of beneficial live bacteria in the gut.
At the same time, scientists acknowledged the presence of potentially toxic substances in bamboo. Therefore, it is essential to prepare the plant safely before consumption. The analyzed studies also revealed concerns regarding lead levels in bamboo and the risk of thyroid enlargement.
“Bamboo is already widely consumed in some parts of Asia, and it has tremendous potential to become a beneficial and eco-friendly addition to diets worldwide, but it must be prepared correctly,” noted Lee Smith, a professor of public health at Anglia Ruskin University (UK).
“The numerous health benefits we discovered, including bamboo’s ability to combat pressing modern issues like and cardiovascular diseases, are attributed to the nutritional composition of this plant and its extracts, which are rich in proteins, amino acids, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins,” he added.
Thus, the authors of the study confirmed that bamboo has numerous beneficial properties. However, it is clear that further research is needed to understand the impact of bamboo on the human body.
“Our review demonstrated the clear potential of bamboo as a potential superfood, but there are also gaps in our knowledge. We were able to find only four studies involving humans that met our criteria, so before we can provide specific recommendations, additional high-quality clinical trials involving people are necessary,” emphasized Professor Smith.
The results of the study were published in the journal Advances in Bamboo Science.
