Bamboo shoots can provide a protein source similar to cow's milk

According to research by a group of Chinese scientists, bamboo shoots can play an important role in providing a sustainable and nutritious food source for the growing global population.

According to an article published in Trends in Food Science & Technology magazine, bamboo shoots especially have many health benefits, containing high protein content similar to cow's milk and higher than that of cow's milk. many types of cereals.

According to the team of Mr. Wu Liangru, a researcher at the China National Bamboo Research Center, bamboo shoots may be a staple food in the future. ' Bamboo offers the potential for a sustainable food source, creating opportunities for trade and export, which can contribute to local economic growth , ' the researchers wrote in the paper.

Scientists say that  bamboo shoots provide seven of the nine essential amino acids that humans need . In fact, the amino acid content in bamboo shoots is higher than other vegetables such as carrots, celery, and cabbage. In addition, bamboo shoots also contain more iron than spinach and pumpkin.

According to research, young bamboo shoots are also a good source of fiber, low in fat and have many different vitamins.

Studies have found that bamboo shoots have the ability to prevent obesity, diabetes and cancer, while also being antioxidant and antibacterial.

'Antioxidant activity is one of the most important functions of bamboo shoots,' they said . Bamboo shoots contain compounds that help eliminate free radicals, which cause cell damage and are linked to aging.

Bamboo shoots can be processed in many different ways such as salting, fermenting, drying, canning, freezing, making juice and grinding, or cooked like other vegetables.

Bamboo shoots can be processed into many delicious dishes. (Photo: IndiaMart).

China is the world's largest bamboo producer , with about 6.4 million hectares of bamboo forests, but of that, less than 6% of the area is dedicated to bamboo shoot production.

An estimated 25 to 35 million tons of bamboo shoots are produced in China each year in this forest area, but only a third is harvested for consumption.

The remaining bamboo shoots are not harvested due to oversupply and low prices, leaving farmers with little incentive to harvest bamboo shoots.

However, if China's bamboo shoots are fully harvested and global bamboo production increases, the world could produce up to 150 million tons per year.

According to researchers, of the 800 species found in China, only 153 species of bamboo are edible, and of those only 56 are of high quality.

Fresh bamboo shoots also contain toxins that are reduced through processing , but testing is required before the product is marketed and must meet international standards to ensure safety.

The researchers also noted that bamboo shoots are a natural resource with great potential to become an important food source worldwide, contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.