LOW IN CALORIES: One cup of bamboo shoots contain about 13 calories and half a gram of fat. They are low in sugar and hold 2 grams of protein per serving.

HIGH IN DIETARY FIBER: A serving of bamboo shoots provides about 10% of your daily requirements of dietary fiber, which has been shown to lower cholesterol. Dietary fiber also aids digestion and enhances satiety or the sensation of feeling full. So if you’re looking to lose weight, eating bamboo could help.

EXCELLENT SOURCE OF POTASSIUM: Bamboo has 640 milligrams of potassium per serving, an important mineral that studies suggest may help to lower blood pressure. A well-studied diet utilizing natural sources of potassium called the DASH diet, lowered systolic and diastolic blood pressure by several points.

GOOD SOURCE OF PHYTOCHEMICALS: Phytochemicals are natural substances that are found in plants. In particular, bamboo shoots contain lignans which may fight cancer, bacteria, fungi and viruses. Phenolic acids are also found in bamboo shoots which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This phytochemical is also believed to prevent cancer and reduce the risk of hardening of the arteries.