Some farmers in the Pacific Northwest are now growing bamboo for shoots. Canned bamboo shoots are available at most grocery stores, and frozen shoots are available at a few stores. Bamboo shoots are low in fat and calories. One cup of half-inch long slices contains a mere 14 calories and half a gram of fat. The shoots are a good source of fiber.
Fiber helps keep cholesterol levels in check and plays a role in preventing colon cancer.
Potassium is a heart-healthy mineral. It helps to maintain normal blood pressure and a steady heart beat. When it comes to phytochemicals, natural substances found in plants, bamboo shoots hold promise. They contain lignans and phenolic acids. Lignans, a component of fiber, exhibit a number of important properties that are undergoing research.