Bamboo is a tree that is found everywhere in India. It is about 25 to 30 meters high and its leaves are long which is also considered revered in India. This tree, which looks normal, has many health benefits. Due to its medicinal properties, it also proves helpful in curing physical disorders, hence, it has been used as a medicine in Ayurveda for years.

The scientific name of the bamboo tree is Bambusoideae. Bamboo is commonly used to treat diseases like dysentery, diarrhea and hemorrhoids. It effectively helps in relieving the troubles of female periods and joint pains. Apart from this, bamboo is also a good option for the treatment of teeth and gums.

About Bamboo Trees

Bamboo is a type of big and wild grass which belongs to the Poaceae family. Bamboo plants have the ability to survive for a long time. The use of bamboo in human life has special importance in human activities. However, there are many varieties of bamboo according to the climate and nature. Most people use only new buds that grow in bamboo to eat.

Lets talk about the nutrients found in bamboo buds, due to which we get health benefits in many ways.

Nutrients of Bamboo Trees

All the nutrients are found in the bamboo tree. According to a report by Comprehensive Review in Food Science and Food Safety, various types of nutrients and minerals are found in bamboo seedlings. In addition, there are high amounts of vitamins found in bamboo shoots. It contains Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Vitamin B, Vitamin B6, Thiamine, Riboflavin, Niacin, Folate and Pantothenic Acid etc. It also contains very small amounts of sugars and fats. In this way, bamboo can be a healthy diet for the body.

Benefits of Bamboo Trees

Beneficial for heart-

Consumption of new bamboo plants or soft buds are beneficial for cardiovascular health. Phytonutrients are found in bamboo shoots which help to improve the functioning of the heart. According to one study, phytosterols and phytonutrients found in bamboo seedlings help in reducing bad cholesterol in the body. This cholesterol can increase cardiovascular problems. In addition, bamboo buds contain high amounts of potassium which contributes to maintaining blood circulation and heart rate healthy. Therefore, by adding new bamboo seedlings in the diet, the heart can be healthy.

To reduce weight-

Bamboo buds contain very small amounts of calories and fat. In addition, it is full of fiber which helps reduce excess body fat. Actually, the fiber present in bamboo improves metabolism by inhibiting the deposition of fat, so to lose weight we should include bamboo buds in our daily life.

Beneficial for cancer-

Bamboo trees have high amounts of antioxidants in addition to phytonutrients. These antioxidants protect the bodys cells from the effects of free radicals which can be the major cause of cancer. In addition, the antioxidants present in bamboo buds also help to protect the body from oxidative stress. It can cause oxidative stress, DNA damage and cancer. New and tender bamboo also contains some amount of chlorophyll which aids in the growth of healthy cells. Therefore, regular consumption of bamboo buds can reduce the chances of cancer.

For teeth and gums-

Bamboo has antioxidant (anti-inflammatory) and antimicrobial (bacteria destroying) effects which help reduce tooth decay and inflammation of the gums. Bamboo twigs are good for teeth and gums. By doing this many problems related to teeth can be overcome.

Increase metabolism-

According to Ayurvedic experts, bamboo buds contain high amounts of manganese along with various minerals. Manganese helps in the creation of metabolic enzymes which helps in maintaining a healthy metabolism. Therefore, bamboo seedlings can be included in their regular diet to maintain the metabolic system better.

For arthritis / joint pain-

Consuming bamboo buds proves beneficial for people suffering from joint pain and arthritis because it has anti-inflammatory properties, which helps in relieving problems like arthritis and joint pain. Apart from this, the antioxidants present in it are helpful in controlling other causes of inflammation and controlling bacteria, viruses etc.

For diabetes-

The use of bamboo seedlings is good for diabetes. It helps in reducing the level of glucose in the body. In addition, bamboo contains fiber which has anti-diabetic and anti-glycemic effects. For this reason, the use of bamboo seedlings works to give relief to the problem of diabetes.

For anemia-

Lack of proper diet and lack of essential nutritious elements in the body can cause problems of anemia. In this case, the use of bamboo seedlings is beneficial because it is full of many nutritional elements. Apart from this, bamboo shoots have high iron content. Iron is a mineral that plays an important role in the formation of red blood cells, therefore, regular intake of bamboo shoots helps in increasing red blood cells due to which oxygen flow is maintained in all the organs of the body.

For hemorrhoids-

The use of bamboo is beneficial in removing the problem of piles. Bamboo shoots are rich in fiber, which jointly works to cure problems like diarrhea, dysentery and hemorrhoids. For this reason, bamboo is considered a home remedy for piles.

For pregnancy-

Bamboo new buds are widely used in traditional Chinese medicine because it has the properties to keep the uterus healthy. Bamboo has an ingredient called uterotonic which helps to increase uterine contractions. Chinese women especially consume bamboo shoots in the last months of pregnancy because it helps in reducing the delivery time.

To provide coolness-

Bamboo can also help in cooling the body because it has a cooling effect. This cooling effect is also considered beneficial for the skin.

For skin-

Bamboo trees have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects which are helpful in removing many skin related disorders.

Use of Bamboo tree

• Bamboo shoots are used as a vegetable. For this, new bamboo seedlings are cut and boiled and after they become soft, they are used to make curry.
• In Ayurveda, the powder of bamboo corals is consumed.
• Bamboo can be consumed by making soup.
• You can drink decoction made from bamboo leaves.
• For skin disorders, a paste of its leaves can be applied on the skin.
• Pickles and marmalade of bamboo seedlings are also made.

Side effects of Bamboo

Although no major side effects have been observed with the usage of bamboo, its use in excess quantities may prove to be harmful in some situations-.

• People with thyroid problems should avoid taking bamboo shoots because it can affect thyroid function.
• Excessive consumption of bamboo shoots can negatively affect male fertility.
• Pregnant and lactating women should avoid consuming bamboo.
• Excessive intake of bamboo can increase uric acid levels in the body, that is, hyperuricemia can occur.