Bamboo parts and seeds for additional source of nutrition

Different edible parts of seven bamboo species were analyzed for their nutrient contents viz., total carbohydrates. proteins, vitamin C and minerals. It was found that among all the edible parts, total carbohydrate content was highest in the seeds of Bambusa arundinacea (38.0%). proteins in the seeds of Dendrocalamus strictus (13.54%) and vitamin C in the seeds of Bambusa arundinacea (50 mg/100g). The nutrient contents compared favourably with those of Cafanus cafan (arhar) and Triticum aestivum (wheat), which constitute the staple diet of the majority of Indians.