Bamboo fabrics are popular mainly for their antibacterial properties. As it grows, bamboo needs very few pesticides, or none at all. Scientists found that this valuable quality comes from an antibacterial bio-agent known as bamboo kun.
Because of how many uses bamboo has in daily life, the industry has given it the name "nature's green gold". Bamboo is a useful material for making furniture, houses, clothing, paper, cosmetics and much else. Ecologically clean and resistant to a range of climatic conditions, it is becoming an ever more popular material across industries.
Bamboo extract is used in all sorts of cosmetic products for skin and hair, acting as a genuine elixir with a restructuring, nourishing and strengthening effect, thanks to ingredients such as silicon, amino acids and vitamins. It is added to face creams, hair masks, shampoos, conditioners and other products for strengthening, nourishing and regenerating skin and hair.
Bamboo offers a wide range of amino acids
The exact composition varies with the origin of the extract and how it is produced. Among the amino acids most often found in bamboo extract are alanine, arginine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamic acid, glycine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, tyrosine, threonine, tryptophan and valine.
Each has a different function in the body:
- Arginine — important for tissue growth, has a positive effect on immune function and takes part in the production of nitric oxide, which helps relax the blood vessels and improves circulation.
- Lysine — important for the growth and development of children, supports immune function and takes part in the production of collagen, needed for the health of skin, hair and nails.
- Leucine — important for muscle growth and tissue maintenance. It can also help regulate blood sugar and reduce fatigue after physical effort.
- Isoleucine — also important for muscle growth and tissue maintenance. It can help speed the replenishment of glycogen in the muscles after exercise.
- Methionine — important for producing the methyl groups needed for many metabolic processes. It can also help break down fat in the liver and lower cholesterol levels.
- Phenylalanine — important for producing the neurotransmitters that help regulate mood and appetite. It may also help increase concentration and reduce anxiety in some forms of depression.
- Threonine — one of the main amino acids the body uses in building protein structures. It is important for the synthesis of proteins, collagen, elastin and muscle protein.
- Tryptophan — important for the synthesis of serotonin, the hormone of happiness, which regulates mood and sleep. Tryptophan also matters for the health of skin, hair and nails and for immune function.
- Valine — plays a role in regulating nitrogen balance in the body and supports normal immune function. It is used as a supplement by athletes and fitness enthusiasts wanting to improve muscle mass and recovery after training.
Bamboo contains a range of vitamins
- Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps protect cells from free radicals and strengthens the immune system. Bamboo is a good source of vitamin C, which is needed for producing collagen — an important protein for the health of skin, joints and bones.
- Vitamin B6 is important for protein metabolism and for producing the neurotransmitters that help the nervous system work. Bamboo is a good source of B6, which can help reduce homocysteine levels in the blood.
- Folic acid (vitamin B9) is an important B vitamin needed for producing new cells and for liver health. Bamboo is a good source of folic acid.
Bamboo extract contains a range of minerals
Among them potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron and zinc:
- Potassium — important for regulating blood pressure and digestion.
- Calcium — needed for the health of bones and teeth.
- Magnesium — helps the absorption of calcium and is important for the nervous system.
- Phosphorus — needed for the growth and maintenance of bones and teeth.
- Iron — important for the formation of red blood cells.
- Zinc — plays a role in the immune system and in growth.
What research suggests
Bamboo juice, turned into a dry powdered extract, is used against chronic inflammatory conditions of the joints (rheumatoid polyarthritis); some research indicates that bamboo extract may have anti-inflammatory properties.
Silicon, an important component of bamboo, stimulates the formation of collagen in bone and connective tissue, supporting a strong and flexible body structure. Because bamboo is a rich source of silicon, consuming it can support the health of bone and connective tissue. Silicon takes part in the process of fixing calcium and in forming bone tissue, which helps against the demineralisation of bone.
Blood sugar falls three hours after eating bamboo. Research shows that consuming bamboo can lead to a significant reduction in blood sugar levels, thanks to the fibre it contains, which slows the absorption of carbohydrates and so reduces blood sugar peaks. Bamboo also contains inulin, a prebiotic that can support gut health.
Bamboo leaves stimulate digestive function and ease the pain of ulcers and gastritis; there is research showing that bamboo leaf extracts can have a favourable effect on digestion and help with gastric problems.
Bamboo extract may also have a positive effect on cognitive function because of its high silicon content, which matters for brain health.
Bamboo is rich in minerals and high in fibre, which can complement any well-balanced diet. It is always advisable to consult a doctor or dietitian before adding bamboo or bamboo products to your diet.
You can read more about the bamboo leaf extract supplement here.
