Bamboo is not related to asparagus although they both are monocots and develop edible shoots from underground stems called rhizomes, which leads to similar appearances and growth habits, especially in their young stages.
True bamboo is a type of grass that is in the Poaceae family and Asparagus is in the Asparagaceae family.
However lucky bamboo, which is a popular houseplant is related to asparagus, but not true bamboo.
The reason why bodybuilders eat so much asparagus is because asparagus is a natural diuretic that helps to reduce water retention and contains nutrients like folate for energy and improved blood flow.
Asparagus also contains the amino acid asparagine, which can help with fat breakdown and fatigue.
Asparagus is also rich in vitamins, fiber and antioxidants like glutathione, which aids in cell repair and reduces inflammation.
Asparagus is also packed with vitamins A, C, K and E, iron and fiber, which are all important for overall health and muscle function.
The glutathione that asparagus contains is an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage and reduce inflammation.
Asparagus also contains potassium that can help with muscle cramps, and the folate in asparagus helps improve blood flow to the muscles and the Asparagine in asparagus can assist with energy production and delaying fatigue.
The amino acid in asparagus called asparagine is linked to helping your body burn fat and the natural diuretic of asparagus, helps bodybuilders, especially on competition day, to reduce excess water retention and achieve a leaner look.
The reason it's said that you can't eat asparagus raw is because when eaten raw, the asparagus is tough and fibrous, which can result in digestive discomfort, bloating and gas, especially when eaten in large amounts.
However you can actually eat asparagus raw, but it's better to cook the asparagus before eating it to make the asparagus easier to chew and easier to digest.
Cooking the asparagus softens the asparagus and breaks down the cell walls, which makes some of the nutrients in asparagus easier to absorb and improves the texture as well.
Although cooking the asparagus will result in the loss of some of the heat sensitive vitamins like vitamin C.
Raw asparagus is fibrous and crunchy, requiring good chewing, which can also be unpleasant.
The high fiber in asparagus can result in gas and bloating, especially in people who are sensitive to the fiber content.
Cooking the asparagus breaks down the tough cell walls, which makes the vitamins, A, B9, C, E more accessible.
Eating asparagus raw does have health benefits as raw asparagus contains more water soluble vitamins and enzymes than cooked asparagus.
To eat raw asparagus, shave or thinly slice the spears to make them tender and easier to digest.
And choose very fresh, in season asparagus for the best flavor.
Raw asparagus is safe and nutritious, but cooking or fine slicing the asparagus makes it more palatable and easier on your stomach.