Bok choy is delicate, green-white member of the cruciferous family which has been cultivated in China for well over five thousand years but get very little use here in the United States. This is unfortunate, since bok choy not only has a mild flavor and light texture, it is great in a number of soups, salads and other dishes and brings with it many health benefits since it is high in so many nutrients as well as dietary fiber. Below is more information about why you should consider including this delicious and extremely healthy cabbage in your diet.
Antioxidant
Like many members of the illustrious cabbage family, bok choy is a rich source of phytonutrients such as sulforaphane, lutein and isothiocyantes which all have powerful antioxidant properties. Antioxidants such as these are important for the body since they reduce oxidative damage done to the body’s tissues by free radicals and essentially slow the aging process. It also helps to reduce the risk of cancers of the breast, colon and prostate.
Anti-inflammatory
Along with its anti-oxidant properties, bok choy also contains compounds which act to reduce inflammation throughout the body and can be of great benefits for those suffering from chronic inflammatory diseases such as arthritis. And what many people are not aware of is the fact that chronic inflammation can also lead to cancer, so this is another way in which the risk of developing cancer is reduced through regular consumption of bok choy.
Vitamin K-Rich
Bok choy, like many leafy green vegetables, is a rich source of Vitamin K. This vitamin is important for many essential functions throughout the body, including bone health and the clotting of blood. Researchers believe that it may also be able to prevent Alzheimer’s disease through reducing damage done to the neurons as this devastating disease progresses.
B Vitamin-Rich
In addition to all of this, bok choy is also a rich source of vitamins in the B vitamin complex, including B6, B1 and B12 as well as folate. Foods rich in folate are good for pregnant women, since it reduces the chance of neural tube defects and for adults, it also helps support good neurological function and helps prevent shrinking of the brain. It also is necessary to maintain good energy levels.
Sulfurous
Bok choy, being a crucifer, contains a good amount of sulfur and this makes it fantastic for long-term health and support a healthy immune system as well as promoting cardiac function. Scientists believe that it is such a good cardio-tonic because it acts upon the inner linings of the arteries to help lower blood pressure and remove plaque, keeping them clear and healthy.
So the next time you are in the produce aisle of your local grocery store, pop a head of bok choy into your cart. You might be surprising at just how much you like it and it will certainly bring with it a trove of benefits for your long-term health.
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