A new academic review suggests bamboo shoots offer significant health benefits, including blood sugar regulation and heart health support. Conducted by scientists at Anglia Ruskin University, the study compiles evidence from human trials and lab experiments, positioning bamboo as a sustainable dietary option. However, proper preparation is essential to mitigate natural toxins.
Bamboo, recognized as the fastest-growing plant with some species reaching 90cm in a day, is gaining attention beyond its use in Asian cuisines. China and India lead in production, but this first comprehensive review on bamboo as food indicates broader global potential.
The analysis, published in Advances in Bamboo Science in 2025, draws from human trials and in vitro studies. Bamboo shoots are nutrient-dense, providing protein, fiber, essential amino acids, and minerals like selenium and potassium, plus vitamins such as thiamine, niacin, A, B6, and E.
Key findings include improved glycemic control, beneficial for diabetes management, and enhanced lipid profiles that may lower cardiovascular risks. Dietary fibers—cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin—aid bowel function and promote anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Lab results show probiotic properties fostering beneficial gut bacteria and reduced toxicity in cells.
Additionally, bamboo compounds inhibit furan formation and cut acrylamide production in fried or roasted foods, potentially enhancing food safety.
Risks exist: cyanogenic glycosides can release cyanide if shoots are raw, and certain compounds may disrupt thyroid function, raising goiter risks. Pre-boiling eliminates these dangers.
Senior author Lee Smith, Professor of Public Health at Anglia Ruskin University, stated: "Bamboo is already commonly eaten in parts of Asia and it has huge potential to be a healthy, sustainable addition to diets worldwide -- but it must be prepared correctly."
He added: "Our review shows bamboo's clear promise as a possible 'superfood', but there are also gaps in our knowledge. We could only find four studies involving human participants that met our criteria, so additional high-quality human trials are necessary before we can make firm recommendations."
This review underscores bamboo's role in addressing issues like diabetes and heart disease, though more research is needed.
