Bamboo Rice

Bamboo rice: The next superfood that can boost your health and well-being.

bamboo rice comes loaded with nutrients and is a healthy alternative to rice and wheat. . “It is grown out of a dying bamboo shoot. When the bamboo shoot breathes its last, it flowers into a rare variety of rice seeds known as bamboo rice. The harvesting of this rice is a major income source for the tribal communities living in the state.

Bamboo is a perennial grass that flowers once in its lifetime while bamboo shoots can be harvested after two years of planting it. The collection and selling of seeds and bamboo shoots are an excellent economic proposition for the locals.

The bamboo shoots are usually eaten as vegetable components in curry or soup by mixing with fish or meat and as a pickle. Bamboo rice can be cooked and consumed just like regular variety but has a nice, chewy taste and is very similar to unpolished rice.

The edible bamboo species produce interesting food products from the shoots like pickle, beer, wine, etc. Bamboo rice is not the same as rice that we eat. It is aromatic, short-grain rice produced from bamboo seeds. The pale green seeds have a sticky texture and leafy bamboo flavour.”

The pharmaceutical preparations of bamboo shoots such as bamboo salt, bamboo vinegar, bamboo extracts help control diabetes and keep the cholesterol level within the normal limit. “Various parts of this plant such as leaf, root, shoot and seed possess anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer, anti-diabetic, antioxidant, anthelmintic and astringent activity.

Bamboo rice is also known as Mulayari and called ‘Moongil Arisi’ by the tribals of southern India. The rice is a rich source of various nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, amino acids, fibre, vitamins and minerals. “It has a low glycemic index compared to other rice varieties, so it is a good option for those with diabetes. It is low or no-fat, so a healthy substitute for overweight and obese people. It is rich in vitamin B complex which can be beneficial for pregnant women and loaded with calcium and phosphorous which can be a remedy for those suffering from joint pain

“While bamboo rice is rich in nutrient reserve, its fresh shoot could be equally dangerous for the body. It contains a toxic chemical known as taxiphyllin which is a cyanide compound. Consuming it raw and uncooked may lead to severe food poisoning. So, it is safe to consume only when cooked properly.

A kilogram costs Rs 5,000 plus.

Benefits of Bamboo Rice

Other than protein the rice also has carbohydrates, vitamins A, B1, B2, B3 and B6, minerals calcium, iron and phosphorus, and fibre. This makes the rice highly nutritive especially to small children because of the immediate release of energy it gives.

· Decreased Constipation and Colon Cancer Risk because it is rich in dietary fibre.

· Lowered Risk of Cardiovascular Disease because the high fibre content also reduces the bad cholesterol levels and maintains blood pressure levels.

· Optimized Brain and Nerve Health because it is a phenomenal source of B complex vitamins.

Enhances Fertility

The health benefit of bamboo rice is studied extensively in the Kani tribes of Kanyakumari. The study has reported that consumption of the rice is beneficial in the reproductive ability and fertility of the tribe.

2. Controls rheumatic pain and joint pain

Since bamboo rice is rich in calcium, bone health is maintained and pains related to joins, rheumatism, arthritis and backbone are controlled.

Controls Diabetes

The glycemic index of the rice is low and hence diabetes is controlled. It also is a rich source of phosphorus and iron, which makes sure that your heart is healthy and controls heart enlargement.

3. Lowers Cholesterol Level

There is not fat in bamboo seeds. The carbohydrates that is present also increase the blood glucose level in a slow pace, this helps in reducing cholesterol accumulation. Burning fat that is already accumulated is also possible because of this low glycemic index.

High Phosphorus content

Bamboo seeds contain about 218 mg % of phosphorus in them which is quite a commendable amount for any rice.

Phosphorus plays a vital role in

formation of bones and teeth.

also determines how the body uses carbohydrates and fats

helps body to accumulate more protein for growth maintenance and repair of vital organs and tissues.

Combines with B vitamins to make sure, kidney function, muscle contraction, heart beat and nerve signaling are normal.

Regulates Blood Pressure

Consuming the rice regularly keeps your blood pressure in the normal range by maintaining the mineral constituents in the body. Iron, calcium and phosphorus act simultaneously in keeping the heart and brain coordination working in unison.