English: Health websites often talk about superfoods—foods rich in nutrients that are especially good for our health. The latest superfood being studied is bamboo shoots.
Scientists at Anglia Ruskin University reviewed many studies and found that bamboo shoots may benefit our well-being. They are low in calories and high in fibre, which helps with digestion and weight control. Bamboo also contains iron, magnesium, and potassium, which are important for blood sugar, blood pressure, and muscle function. However, raw bamboo shoots contain toxins and must be cooked before eating.Professor Lee Smith said: “Our review shows bamboo’s clear promise as a possible superfood. Bamboo is already eaten in Asia and could be a healthy, sustainable addition to diets worldwide, but it must be prepared correctly.”
Bamboo is the world’s tallest grass, able to grow up to 90 cm a day. There are about 1,400 species worldwide. Bamboo shoots are harvested when they first emerge from the ground, while still soft. The hard stalks are not eaten—those are popular with pandas.
中文： 健康網站常談到 超級食物——富含營養、對健康特別有益的食物。最新被研究的超級食物是 竹筍。
英國安格利亞魯斯金大學的科學家回顧多項研究，發現竹筍可能有益健康。它們 低熱量、高纖維，有助消化與體重控制。竹筍還含有 鐵、鎂、鉀，對血糖、血壓和肌肉功能很重要。但生竹筍含有毒素，必須煮熟才能食用。
李史密斯教授說：「我們的研究顯示竹筍有成為超級食物的明顯潛力。竹筍在亞洲已普遍食用，未來可能成為全球健康、永續的飲食選擇，但必須正確處理。」
竹子是世界上最高的草，每天可生長 90 公分。全球約有 1,400 種竹子。竹筍在剛冒出地面時採收，因為此時柔軟可食。堅硬的竹竿不可食用——但卻是熊貓的最愛。
📚 Vocabulary | 單字
- superfood = food rich in nutrients → 超級食物
- fibre = plant material that helps digestion → 纖維
- nutrients = substances needed for health → 營養素
- toxin = poison → 毒素
- sustainable = able to continue without harm → 永續的
- harvest = to collect crops → 收割 / 採收
🗣️ Useful Expressions | 常用表達
- “Bamboo shoots are low in calories and high in fibre.” → 竹筍低熱量、高纖維。
- “They contain iron, magnesium, and potassium.” → 它們含有鐵、鎂和鉀。
- “Raw bamboo shoots must be cooked before eating.” → 生竹筍必須煮熟才能食用。
- “Bamboo could be a sustainable addition to diets worldwide.” → 竹筍可能成為全球永續飲食的一部分。
📝 Practice Questions | 練習問題
- What makes bamboo shoots a possible superfood? 竹筍為什麼可能是超級食物？
- Which nutrients are found in bamboo? 竹筍含有哪些營養素？
- Why must bamboo shoots be cooked? 為什麼竹筍必須煮熟？
- How fast can bamboo grow in one day? 竹子一天能長多快？
- Who enjoys eating bamboo stalks? 誰喜歡吃竹竿？
