Asparagus vs Bamboo – Which is Healthier?

Our Verdict

When comparing asparagus to bamboo, we picked the asparagus.

Why?

Both are great! But asparagus does distinguish itself on nutritional density.

In terms of macros, bamboo starts strong with more protein and fiber, but it’s not a huge amount more; the margins of difference are quite small.

In the category of vitamins, asparagus wins easily with more of vitamins A, B2, B3, B5, B9, C, E, and K. In contrast, bamboo boasts only more vitamin B6. A clear win for asparagus.

The minerals line-up is closer; asparagus has more calcium, iron, magnesium, and selenium, while bamboo shoots have more manganese, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc. That’s a 4:4 tie, but asparagus’s margins of difference are larger, and if we need a further tiebreaker, bamboo also contains more sodium, which most people in the industrialized world could do with less of rather than more. So, a small win for asparagus.

In other considerations, asparagus is much higher in polyphenols, especially quercetin, and thus wins this round too.

Adding up the sections shows clearly that bamboo shoots, but asparagus scores, and wins the day. As ever, do enjoy either or both, of course, but if making a pick, then asparagus has more bang-for-buck nutritionally.

Want to learn more?

You might like to read:

Don’t Be Bamboozled By Bamboo! ← including how to eat bamboo, for those unfamiliar with such, as we have been asked about it 🙂

Take care!