The health benefits of Bamboo - By Rosie Millen (Nutritionist)
Bamboo is packed with vitamins and essential minerals such as niacin, vitamin A, vitamin B6, and vitamin E, which is the body’s most powerful antioxidant. It is known to naturally enhance collagen production, help to detox the body, and boost natural immunity.
Check our interview with Rosie on the health benefits of the bamboo. Rosie is an Expert Nutritionist, Public Speaker, and the Founder of Miss Nutritionist.
What is the importance of a healthy hydration on the body and mind?
Hydration is fundamental for overall health. 70% of our body is actually water. Water is essential for many important processes to take place in the body such as carrying essential glucose, oxygen and nutrients to cells. It’s also key in eliminating waste from the kidneys. Just a small drop in water level in the body can lead to feelings of dizziness, bring on headaches and contribute to low energy and poor cognitive function. It’s important to drink between 1.5 – 2 litres of water per day and not consume too many beverages that contain sugar or caffeine. The body needs just pure water.
Could you tell us a bit more about the history and role of bamboo plants in traditional medicines?
The bamboo plant has a surprisingly spiritual and sacred history that is not to be overlooked. In Asia, for example, it was often considered as a good luck charm bestowing populace with youth, flexibility and love. In Japan bamboo shoot is called “King of Forest Vegetables” is a treasure dish.
In terms of its traditional medicinal usage the bamboo plant was used for treating hypertension, arteriosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. Bamboo is considered cooling, calming and is used to improve breathing, to heal epilepsy, fainting and loss of consciousness in feverish diseases, and to treat a variety of mental disorders that develop with ageing.
What are the benefits of regular consumption of bamboo-based products, according to studies?
Studies have shown that regular consumption of bamboo-based products may reduce the risk of age-related chronic diseases including cardiovascular diseases, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, cancer and diabetes.
Bamboo extract is rich in natural antioxidants. Can you tell us a bit more about bamboo extract benefits and nutrients?
The main antioxidants in bamboo leaves and shoots are phenols, vitamin C & E and mineral elements such as selenium, copper, zinc, iron and manganese. Vitamin C, selenium and zinc are particularly essential for the proper functioning of our immune system. Zinc activates enzymes that break down proteins in viruses so they are less able to spread whilst selenium is an antioxidant, which helps to lower oxidative stress in your body, hence reducing inflammation and enhancing immunity. Eating foods rich in vitamin C and amino acids can increase the levels of hyaluronic acid and collagen in the body as both are important for skin. Ideal for a nice skin and hair glow!
What other nutrients and minerals are found in bamboo extract. What are their benefits?
Bamboo leaf extract contains around 17 amino acids of which arginine and tyrosine as the most prominent. Arginine plays a key role in the synthesis of glycoproteins, and tyrosine is a major precursor of several neurotransmitters and may directly affect processes in the brain including cognitive function.
It also contains an important number of vitamins and minerals such as niacin, vitamin A, vitamin B6, and vitamin E. All of the B vitamins are required for cellular energy and vitamin E is the body’s most powerful antioxidant.
Lastly, you have tried Juno Bamboo Water. Can you tell us more about the taste?
I love the taste of this detoxifying bamboo water! It’s light, refreshing and transported me to the beach!
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