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Bok Choy For Health

August 21, 2009


Bok choy or Chinese cabbage is a member of the cabbage family. This vegetable often adorns the dishes cooked in the Chinese restaurants. Bok choy has thick and tall stalks.

Blue green colored leaves are present on the top of the white stalks. This vegetable thrives in cold weather conditions. You can find bok choy in the stores throughout the year, although it is more abundant during the winter.

Besides its delicious taste, bok choy has several health benefits.

Nutrients

Bok choy is packed with several nutrients. It is a good source of vitamin A, beta-carotene, vitamin B6, calcium, potassium and iron.

Good for the eyes

The phytonutrients present in bok choy are good for the eyes. This vegetable is a good source of beta-carotene. A single cup of bok choy contains the entire recommended daily amount of beta-carotene. Beta-carotene is essential for healthy eyes. It prevents night blindness. Studies have shown that this carotenoid could also prevent cataract. Beta-carotene could also reduce the risk of macular degeneration.

Prevents cancer

Beta-carotene could also prevent development of malignant cells. Bok choy, like most other beta-carotene rich vegetables, could prevent lung cancer. The phytonutrients found in bok choy are powerful antioxidants that are capable of strengthening your immune system.

For healthy bones

Bok choy is a good source of calcium. Two cups of bok choy contains as much calcium present in one cup of milk. Calcium is needed for healthy bones and teeth. Consumption of bok choy could provide pregnant women adequate amount of calcium. Intake of this vegetable could reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Vegans could get their calcium supply from this vegetable.

Lowers homocysteine level

Homocysteine is a type of amino acid needed for the normal cellular metabolism and for protein production. However, high level of homocysteine is responsible for cardiovascular diseases and stroke.

Adequate amounts of beta-carotene, folic acid and vitamin C could help to normalize the homocysteine level in the body. Bok choy is one such vegetable that is rich in all these three ingredients. Therefore, to prevent stroke and heart diseases, you can include bok choy in your meal.


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