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Bamboo could be the world's next superfood

Health websites are full of information about superfoods. These are packed with nutrients and are particularly good for our health. The latest superfood being discussed is bamboo shoots. Scientists have looked at many studies to find out just how good they are for us. Researchers say the shoots can be beneficial to our well-being. They are low in calories and high in fibre, which helps with digestion and weight control. They are also a good source of  vitamins and minerals. Bamboo contains iron, magnesium, and potassium, which are important for sugar levels, blood pressure, and muscle function. However, raw bamboo shoots contain toxins and must be cooked before eating.

The scientists are from Anglia Ruskin University in the UK. Lead author Professor Lee Smith said: "Our review shows bamboo's clear promise as a possible superfood." He added: "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." Most of us know what bamboo looks like. It is the world's tallest grass and can grow up to 90 cm a day. There are around 1,400 species of bamboo worldwide. However, people may not know that bamboo shoots are harvested as they emerge from the ground, while they are still soft. We do not eat the hard, woody stalks. These are popular with pandas.

 

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Chat

Talk about these words from the article.  

health websites / information / bamboo shoots / fibre / digestion / calories / vitamins / scientists / superfood / sustainable / Asia / grass / species / harvests / pandas 

 

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True / False

1) The article says health websites are full of information about bamboo.  T / F

2) Bamboo shoots are high in calories and low in fibre.  T / F

3) Bamboo shoots are bad for people with high blood pressure.  T / F

4) Bamboo shoots must be cooked because they contain a poison.  T / F

5) A scientist said bamboo shoots could become popular worldwide.  T / F

6) Bamboo can grow as much as 90 cm in one day.  T / F

7) There are 1,400 species of bamboo.  T / F

8) Bamboo is very popular with pandas.  T / F 

 

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Discussion

1) What do you think about what you read?

2) Should we all eat more superfood and less junk food every day?

3) In what dishes can we eat bamboo shoots?

4) What do you know about grass?

5) How good is Asian food?

6) Do you think pandas are happy eating only bamboo?

7) What do think about pandas?

8) What questions would you like to ask researchers?