Who doesn’t know a plant called bamboo? It turns out that from its various uses, there are health benefits of bamboo water.
In fact, not only the water, another part of bamboo that can be utilized is bamboo shoots, aka young bamboo. Curious what are the benefits of bamboo water?
A Glimpse of the Bamboo Plant
Bamboo is a type of bipedal plant that belongs to the Poaceae or Gramineae family. Bamboo is known for its long stems, strong fibers, and very fast growth.
There are more than 1,500 species of bamboo spread throughout the world, mainly in tropical and subtropical regions. One of the most striking characteristics of bamboo is its ability to grow quickly, some species can reach several meters of growth in a single day.
In addition, bamboo is also highly durable, so it is often used in a variety of construction, crafts, and cultural products. Bamboo plants also have significant ecological benefits.
Therefore, bamboo has high economic, cultural, and ecological value in various aspects of human life. Plus, bamboo water also has great benefits for the body.
How to Treat Bamboo Water
Bamboo water is known to be a natural and clean source of water in nature, especially in the tropics. Here are the steps to treat it:
1. Choose
Choose bamboo that is fresh and healthy. Make sure there are no signs of rot or decay on the culms to be used.
2. Cut
Cut a section of the culm with a sharp knife. The cut should be long enough to contain enough water.
3. Clean
Clean the outside of the stem with a brush or cloth to remove any dirt and dust that may be present.
4. Cut the End
Cut the end of the bamboo culm at an angle to allow the water to flow more easily.
5. Punch holes
Use a drill or other tool to cut a hole in one end of the bamboo stick. This will be where the water comes out.
6. Wait for the Water to Flow
Place the treated bamboo culm vertically or tilted with the hollowed end over a container or cup. Wait a few hours for water to start flowing out of the holes that have been made.
7. Collect Water
Place a container under the prepared bamboo culm to collect the flowing water. Make sure the container is clean and sterile to prevent contamination.
8. Filter the Water (Optional)
After collecting the water, you can filter it with a clean cloth or coffee filter to remove any small particles that may still be present in the water.
8 Health Benefits of Bamboo Water
Bamboo water, also known as kunir bamboo water or black bamboo water, is a traditional drink that originated in China and has been used for centuries for its health benefits. Bamboo water is generally made by soaking pieces of bamboo stalks in water and letting them infuse for several hours or overnight.
The benefits of this drink have even been recognized by traditional societies and are even gaining attention in modern scientific research. Here are 8 properties of bamboo water to know:
1. Slows Down the Aging Process
Bamboo water contains antioxidants such as flavonoids and polyphenols that help fight free radicals in the body. This can help reduce cell damage and slow down the aging process.
Antioxidants help keep skin young and healthy, reducing the risk of damage from UV rays and other environmental factors.
2. Maintains Hair Health
The silica content in bamboo water is an essential nutrient for hair growth and health. Silica helps strengthen hair roots and improves hair texture.
Consuming bamboo water regularly can help prevent hair loss and improve hair quality.
3. Maintains Bone Health
Bamboo water contains calcium and magnesium, two minerals essential for bone health. Calcium is necessary for the formation and maintenance of strong bones, while magnesium helps the body absorb calcium more efficiently.
Consuming bamboo water can help prevent osteoporosis and maintain bone density.
4. Maintains Heart Health
This drink contains potassium which supports heart health by regulating blood pressure. Consuming enough potassium in your diet can help reduce the risk of heart disease.
Potassium also helps maintain a healthy heart rhythm and reduces the risk of arrhythmia.
5. Lowers Cholesterol
This drink can help lower cholesterol levels in the blood. This is due to the soluble fiber content that helps bind to excess cholesterol in the body and excrete it through the digestive system.
6. Reduces the Risk of Kidney Disease
Bamboo water has alkalizing properties that can help prevent the formation of kidney stones. It reduces acidity in the urine and prevents the formation of kidney stones associated with excess acid.
Consuming bamboo water regularly can support your kidney health and reduce the risk of kidney stones.
7. Nourishes Skin
The silica content in bamboo water has great benefits for skin health. Silica is a mineral that is important in the formation of collagen, which is the main protein in skin, hair, and nails.
By maintaining healthy collagen, bamboo water helps the skin stay elastic, reduces wrinkles, and improves skin radiance.
8. Anti-inflammatory
Bamboo water also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in the body. This can help relieve symptoms of inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and autoimmune diseases.
The natural anti-inflammatory properties in bamboo water can provide comfort to individuals experiencing chronic inflammatory conditions.
Those are the various health benefits of bamboo water that you need to know. However, it is also important to maintain a balanced diet, active lifestyle, and consult a healthcare professional if you have certain medical conditions or are taking medications.
Integrating bamboo water into a healthy diet can help you experience significant health benefits. Good luck!
