The benefits of Bamboo: what are its virtues?

Known as the “Asian reed” or “Chinese cane,” bamboo is a revered plant in Southeast Asia. It is often considered a symbol of flexibility and resilience.

In phytotherapy, young shoots and the liquid from the nodes are used for their natural richness in silica: a constituent of joints and bones.

But, what lies behind this slender green stem?

In this article, you will discover the incredible benefits of bamboo! 🎋 Buckle up, the journey begins here...

Contrary to popular belief, bamboo is neither a tree nor a shrub, but a herbaceous plant. Depending on the variety, it can reach 10 to 20 meters in height. Wow effect guaranteed! 😯

Used for millennia and cultivated worldwide, bamboo has established itself as the eco-friendly plant (fully recyclable and compostable) par excellence.

Furthermore, bamboo has more than one trick up its sleeve:

1. It is used for house construction 🏡, furniture making, or simply as an ornamental plant.

2. In cosmetology, it is appreciated for its super-benefits (it is said to be moisturizing, purifying, soothing...).

3. In the world of dietary supplements, bamboo is used for joint comfort and bone strength.

4. Finally, bamboo shoots are used in many savory dishes. Asian countries are big consumers of them.

📖 Here are some fascinating anecdotes about bamboo:

1. The incandescent filament of the first electric light bulb, created by Thomas Edison, was made from bamboo.

2. Bamboo makes up nearly the entire diet of the giant panda 🐼. It consumes about 12.5 kg per day! Impressive, isn’t it?

3. Every day, 5.2 million pairs of bamboo chopsticks are used for meals!

The main constituent of bamboo is silica. It contains 70% silica!

Silica is an essential mineral that is part of the composition of tendons and bones. It also contributes to maintaining connective tissues while supporting collagen synthesis in our body. Moreover, it is recognized for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties!

Here are 5 foods naturally rich in silicon:

1. Banana 🍌: one of the biggest sources of silica.
2. Beer: up to 17 mg per 300 ml. (excessive alcohol consumption is dangerous for your health)
3. Whole grains: oats, wheat, barley, quinoa, rice...
4. Green beans: among the vegetables richest in silicon.
5. Lentils: red lentils contain the most silicon.

Did you know that bamboo shoots are edible? Yes! 😋 Bamboo shoots are a delicacy. The taste is somewhere between artichoke and heart of palm.

Rich in fiber, they provide vitamins B and C, but especially a high range of minerals, including calcium and phosphorus.

According to a recent study published in the journal Trends in Food Science & Technology, bamboo could be a sustainable and virtuous food source.

So, how can you consume bamboo?

1. In powder form. It will be easy to add to your smoothies or freshly pressed juices 🧃.
2. In tablets or capsules. This is one of the most convenient forms for consuming bamboo extract.
3. In teas or infusions. Bamboo tea is very rich in antioxidants. In fact, Buddhist monks have been consuming it for centuries.
4. By adding it directly to your dishes.

Bamboo shoots are sold in cans (plain or sweet and sour) in our supermarkets. However, if you are lucky enough to find fresh bamboo shoots, you will need to peel and blanch them in a pot of boiling water before cooking them. But this can be tedious...

Here are our favorite recipes using bamboo shoots:

Ingredients (for 4 people):

1. 400 g of rice noodles;

2. 300 g of peeled shrimp;

3. 1 onion;

4. 200 g of canned bamboo shoots;

5. 30 cl of pad thai sauce;

6. 5 tablespoons of vegetable oil.

Preparation:

1. Soak the noodles for 30 minutes in warm water. Drain. Pour boiling water over them;

2. Stir for 1 minute and drain.

3. Heat the oil over high heat in a wok. Cook the chopped onion and shrimp for 1 minute;

4. Add the noodles and sauce. Cook for 5 to 10 minutes while stirring;

5. Taste. Check the cooking. Off the heat, add the bamboo shoots;

6. Serve with a squeeze of lemon juice and some chili powder. Enjoy your meal!

Pssst: For the more experienced among us, you can enjoy your noodles with chopsticks! 🥢