Bamboo as food is not a new concept. Pandas have been eating bamboo for about a long time. [6 million years](https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3183708/how-long-have-pandas-been-eating-bamboo-least-6-million-years), according to research, humans started eating it about 2,500 years ago.

Here in Canada, you’ve been able to buy cooked, edible bamboo in grocery stores for some time. It is usually sold in cans or vacuum-sealed, ready-to-eat packages.

Next time you pass one in the aisle, consider adding it to your cart. new review Researchers at Angela Ruskin University delve into the health benefits of bamboo and suggest that bamboo may: The potential of superfoods.

First of all, what is a superfood?

Merriam-Webster Dictionary Superfoods are defined as “foods (such as salmon, broccoli, and blueberries) that are rich in compounds (such as antioxidants, fiber, and fatty acids) that are thought to be beneficial to human health.” University of California, Davis (University of California, Davis) states that there is no scientifically approved definition of a superfood.

However, it is generally recognized as a food that contains several nutrients that promote health and prevent disease.

Fun fact: According to the University of California, Davis, the term originated in the early 20th century as a marketing strategy to promote bananas and was developed by the United Fruit Company.

What makes bamboo a potential superfood?

New paper published in journal Advances in bamboo scienceprovides the first ever academic review of the health benefits of bamboo.

• strong nutritional profile, It is rich in protein, has a moderate amount of fiber, and is naturally low in fat. Bamboo is also rich in essential amino acids, minerals, and vitamins such as thiamin, niacin, vitamin A, vitamin B6, and vitamin E.

• Evidence that bamboo may support metabolic health. The authors of this study found that eating bamboo can help regulate blood sugar levels, reduce inflammation, support digestion, and provide antioxidants. Regular consumption has been shown to improve lipid levels and may help prevent cardiovascular disease.

• Strong evidence for good gut health. Bamboo is rich in several types of dietary fiber, including cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, which are associated with improved intestinal function.

Finally, researchers say that some compounds in bamboo can inhibit and reduce the production of furans and acrylamide, toxic compounds that can occur when foods are fried or roasted.

“This suggests that bamboo could potentially be used to make some prepared foods safer,” the researchers say.

However, there is a small pitfall. The Angela Raskin University paper compiled data through a systematic review of literature and research on the benefits of bamboo. The authors say there aren’t many academic papers on the subject, so more research is needed to find out everything.

This isn’t about the weather. Why are we talking about bamboo?

That’s right: this is not your traditional blizzard As for the story, weather is our passionincludes everything directly related to it.

First, food production is closely tied to the environment. Weather patterns dictate crop seasons and affect food prices.

Second, some superfoods include Negative impact on the environmentwhich could in turn affect the climate.

For example, avocado is an example of a superfood that is not considered sustainable. requires excessive amounts of water To grow it.

That’s where bamboo comes in. Bamboo is the fastest growing plant in the world. Some species can grow more than 3 feet a day, require minimal water and pesticides, absorb carbon dioxide, and can regenerate without planting. In other words, it is a nutrient-dense superfood that appears to offer many health benefits while minimizing harm to the environment.

How do you eat it? Easy — add them to stir-fries and salads for a delicious crunch. Be sure to purchase bamboo from a grocery store rather than a nursery. Because we are not pandas. Pandas can eat bamboo that comes out of the ground, but humans cannot. To make bamboo safe for us, it must be treated beforehand. This means that it needs to be boiled for up to 30 minutes to remove natural toxins that are harmful to the human body. Canned or processed sprouts from the supermarket are usually safe to eat without further cooking, but be sure to read the label.