You’ve likely heard of a range of different foods that can help you get your gut health on track, from pickled foods like kimchi to probiotic-rich yogurt. But there are also plenty of gut-healthy foods out there you may have never considered. As it turns out, bamboo shoots are another fantastic, nutrient-packed option that you can add to your diet to improve digestion.
To learn more about the benefits of bamboo shoots for gut health and more, we spoke to nutritionist Mary Sabat MS, RDN, LD. She told us all about how the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory properties of this food can improve your overall health. Learn more below!
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Bamboo shoots for gut health and digestion
If you haven't already tried adding bamboo shoots to your dishes, it's time to give them a shot. Not only are they tasty, but they also offer up a plethora of health benefits. This is especially true when it comes to your digestive health.
"Eating bamboo shoots can help promote a healthier gut in a few different ways," Sabat says. For starters, bamboo shoots are high in insoluble fiber, which she notes "can help keep
things moving through the digestive system and reduce the risk of constipation."
Additionally, this food is also packed with prebiotic fibers, which "stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut microbiome." Sabat explains that prebiotic fibers like the kind found in bamboo shoots "feed the good bacteria and help maintain a balanced gut microbiome, which is important for overall health."
On top of all this, this food is also high in antioxidants and other anti-inflammatory compounds, which is another major benefit when it comes to digestion.
Other benefits of bamboo shoots
The anti-inflammatory properties of bamboo shoots can also do wonders for other areas of your health. These anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, Sabat notes, "can help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes." Nice!
Reducing inflammation in your body by eating bamboo shoots regularly can even help boost your immunity and increase your energy levels. Plus, since this is a low-calorie food, it makes a great addition to your diet if you're trying to lose weight.
How to eat bamboo shoots
Luckily, there are plenty of ways to work bamboo shoots into your diet in order to reap all of these benefits. Sabat recommends adding them to salads, soups, stir-fries, curries, and even smoothies. "Bamboo shoots can also be pickled and enjoyed as a side dish or snack," she concludes. We can't wait to cook a meal with them ASAP!
