Bamboo may be healthy and sustainable, researchers say

A new review from Angela Ruskin University highlights bamboo's nutritional and sustainability qualities and notes bamboo shoots are sold pre-cooked in Canada; dictionaries say the term "superfood" has no strict scientific definition.

Researchers have reviewed bamboo as a food and highlighted health and sustainability aspects. Bamboo has long been part of animal and human diets. Pandas have eaten bamboo for about 6 million years, and research suggests humans began eating it about 2,500 years ago. In Canada, bamboo shoots are commonly available pre-cooked in cans or vacuum-sealed packages. Known details: - A review from Angela Ruskin University examined health benefits and suggested bamboo could have "superfood" potential as reported. - Merriam-Webster defines a superfood as a food rich in compounds considered beneficial to health. - The University of California, Davis is reported as saying there is no science-approved definition of the term "superfood." - Bamboo is highlighted for multiple nutrients and for sustainability in the review as reported. - The term "superfood" is noted to have originated as a marketing strategy in the early 20th century to promote bananas, developed by the United Fruit Company. Summary: The review draws attention to bamboo's nutrient content and environmental attributes, which has renewed interest in the food. Use of the label "superfood" varies because the term lacks a formal scientific definition. Undetermined at this time.