आलु तामा । Alu Tama | How to make alu Tama | Nepali Food Recipe in Nepali Language

Bamboo shoots also known as bamboo sprouts are a culinary must-have in various dishes and soups, in Southeast Asian cuisine and in few parts of India.

Available in fresh, fermented and canned forms, bamboo shoots have become quite popular in recent years, owing to its highly impressive nutritional profile. These shoots with a crisp texture, are collected from the soil from various bamboo species including Bambusa vulgaris, Phyllostachys edulis, Bambusa oldhamil, etc.

bamboo shoots health benefits

Raw bamboo shoots are loaded with a type of natural toxin called cyanogenic glycosides. These toxins get destroyed during the cooking process, usually by boiling sliced bamboo shoots in large amounts of water for several times.

Bamboo shoots that grow across Japan, China, Taiwan are harvested during summer. In our country, these delicious shoots are a staple of sorts in states like Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Jharkhand, Odisha and Karnataka.

In many ancient traditional medicine texts, bamboo shoots are described as ‘The Poor Man’s Timber’, ‘The Plant With Thousand Faces’, ‘The Green Gold’ owing to its innumerable therapeutic properties. The medicinal uses of bamboo shoots were first chronicled in Chinese books dating back to 618-907 AD and in Japan, it is prized as ‘King of Forest Vegetables.’

Nutritional Profile:

Bamboo shoots are a powerhouse of proteins, carbohydrates, fiber and minerals. These shoots are very low on fat and sugar making it an ideal snack for the diabetics. The presence of fiber in large quantities known as nutraceuticals helps in dealing with gut issues.

Several studies in recent times revealed that ample amounts of antioxidants, with phenolic compounds in these shoots, help in fighting free radicals and exhibit anti-cancerous, antibiotic and anti-viral properties. Include these shoots in daily diet to reap the benefits of vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin B6, thiamin, riboflavin, calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, copper, zinc, manganese and other vital minerals.

What’s more? One can consume bamboo shoots guilt-free as the calorie count does not exceed 20 calories for every 100 grams. The carbohydrate count is negligible too, as it amounts to only 3 to 4 grams per every 100-gram serving. These shoots are cardiac patient-friendly, as they contain unsaturated fats that help in fighting against bad cholesterol.

Cardiac Care:

Cardiologists recommend eating bamboo shoots daily as it shields the heart from various cardiac ailments. Loaded with phytosterols and phytonutrients, these shoots consumed boiled, fermented help in clearing clogged arteries and dissolve bad or LDL cholesterol. Also Read: 5 Superfoods To Keep Good Cholesterol Up

Strengthens Immunity:

Being a storehouse of vitamins and minerals, these shoots help in boosting the immunity. Eat these during the onset of monsoon and winter to stay away from viral and bacterial infections. The healthy components also aid in the sharp functioning of the brain and prevent the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.

Antivenomous:

In India, the juice extracted from these shoots works against poisoning especially in case of snake, scorpion and bites from other venomous creatures. Ayurveda suggests drinking the juice and applying it topically for flushing out the poison.

Induces Uterine Contractions:

Bamboo shoots can stimulate uterine contractions thus aiding in normal delivery. Traditional Chinese medicine recommends pregnant women in the last stage of pregnancy to include bamboo dishes in small amounts to facilitate a normal delivery. Also Read: Bring Home Bamboo Rice, Unravel Hidden Secrets of Health

Works As Expectorant:

The wide range of vitamins and other compounds present in these shoots strengthen the lungs and improve its functioning. To flush out phlegm from the lungs, boil washed bamboo shoots in hot water for minutes. Cool it down and mix it with honey. Drink it twice as it serves as a natural expectorant. This decoction also helps in easing breathing problems and other respiratory conditions.

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