As per studies, consumption of cruciferous vegetables at least once a week may reduce the risk of prostate, pancreatic, ovarian, liver, and stomach cancers. Brassinin, a phytochemical derived from cruciferous vegetables like bok choy, has anticancer effects and can inhibit cancer cell proliferation.
2. May Promote Bone Health
A study conducted on postmenopausal women found that increased consumption of cruciferous vegetables such as bok choy can reduce bone turnover and calcium loss in urine. Also, bok choy contains nutrients that are essential for bone health. According to the U.S. Department Of Agriculture, bok choy contains vitamin K, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, and phosphorus. These nutrients help in strengthening bones, maintaining bone structure, and prevent fractures. As per another study, vitamin K not only increases bone mineral density but also reduces fracture rates. Dietary intake of 90 micrograms of vitamin K per day for females and 120 micrograms of the nutrient per day for males are recommended. Insufficient consumption of iron and zinc also may lead to osteoporosis and collagen depletion.
3. May Reduce The Risk Of Heart Disease
In studies, intake of green leafy and cruciferous vegetables showed a 15.8% reduction in the incidence of cardiovascular diseases. The vitamin B6 and folate in bok choy prevent the accumulation of homocysteine, which may otherwise damage the lining of arteries or lead to atherosclerosis (plaque build-up inside arteries). However, more studies are warranted to understand this benefit of bok choy.
4. May Boost Eye Health
Cruciferous vegetables, including bok choy, contain essential carotenoids like lutein and zeaxanthin that help boost eye health and prevent macular degeneration. Lutein and zeaxanthin are fat-soluble antioxidants responsible for vision. They also reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Bok choy is also rich in vitamin A, a vitamin responsible for eye health.
5. May Fight Inflammation
Bok choy contains choline, which plays a key role in early brain development, muscle control, memory, and cell membrane signaling. It also helps reduce inflammation. Intake of cruciferous vegetables reduces oxidative stress and inflammation. As per one study, high consumption of Brassica vegetables, which contain glucosinolates, may induce enzymes that act against inflammation. This green leafy vegetable is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that help lower inflammation. It is also rich in flavonoids like quercetin that help reduce inflammation.
6. May Boost The Immune System
Bok choy has vitamin C, a potent antioxidant that contributes to immune defense. It is also essential for collagen synthesis that assists in energy metabolism. It stimulates white blood cells (WBCs) and acts against infections. However, more studies are needed to further understand this benefit of bok choy.
7. May Lower Blood Pressure
The rich mineral profile of bok choy helps lower blood pressure levels. As per one study, intake of 4700 milligrams of potassium per day decreases blood pressure in response to high sodium consumption. From another study conducted by the University of London, potassium also reduces the damage sodium may do to the cardiovascular system. However, more studies are needed to understand this mechanism of bok choy in humans.
8. May Support Thyroid Function
Some believe the selenium in bok choy may help promote thyroid function. These glands play a critical role in several metabolic reactions. A study conducted on 6152 individuals found that selenium deficiency may increase the risk of thyroid disease. Another study conducted by the Gauhati Medical College, India, found that consumption of selenium supplements may improve autoimmune thyroid disease. However, it is believed that cruciferous vegetables, like bok choy, may instead interfere with thyroid function. Consult your doctor for more information. Also, the selenium content in bok choy is minimal as compared to the RDA levels. Hence, this veggie alone may not help you meet your regular selenium intake.
9. May Assist In A Healthy Pregnancy
Bok choy is a rich source of folate that is crucial during pregnancy. Folate deficiency is linked to abnormalities in mothers and fetuses. A dosage of 600 micrograms of folic acid is recommended during pregnancy. A study conducted by the University of Alabama at Birmingham found that foods rich in folic acid may help prevent the risk of birth defects such as anencephaly and spina bifida. However, more studies are needed to understand this benefit of bok choy.
10. May Improve Skin Health
Bok choy contains vitamin C, an antioxidant known for its role in collagen production and combating free radicals. It may help reduce the risk of skin damage caused by external factors. It may also help fight the signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles. However, limited data is available in this regard. Also, topical application of vitamin C seems to have a better effect on skin health than oral intake. Consult your dermatologist for more information. Also, bok choy speeds up the healing process. Much anecdotal evidence suggests that bok choy helps in heavy menstruation or hemorrhoid conditions. Bok choy contains essential vitamins and minerals that help treat many health problems. Scroll down to find the nutrition profile of bok choy.
Bok Choy Nutrition Facts
One cup of shredded bok choy contains:
Calories: 9.1 kcal Protein: 1.05 g Fat: 0.14 g Carbohydrate: 1.53 g Fiber: 0.7 g Calcium: 73.5 mg Potassium: 176 mg Sodium: 45.5 mg Selenium: 0.35 micrograms Vitamin C: 31.5 mg Folate: 46.2 micrograms Choline: 4.48 mg Vitamin A: 156 micrograms Lutein + zeaxanthin: 28 micrograms
These nutrients in bok choy are essential for the body to perform several metabolic reactions and to maintain overall health. Bok choy is often confused with spinach. How are the two different?
Bok Choy Vs. Spinach
When we compare the nutritional aspects of bok choy and spinach, both contain a similar number of calories. Bok choy contains more vitamins C and A than spinach. Whereas spinach is richer in dietary fiber, iron, and vitamin K. Both these green leafy veggies have a different flavor. Are bok choy and cabbage the same? Check out the next section to find the answer.
Bok Choy Vs. Cabbage
Bok choy and cabbage are two different vegetables. Bok choy contains more dark-colored leaves and white stalks. Cabbage has a light-green head. The leaves of bok choy are more tender and sweeter than cabbage. Bok choy has higher vitamin A content than cabbage, and cabbage has more dietary fiber. You can consume all parts of the bok choy plant, including its white stems and green leaves. But how to incorporate bok choy into your diet? Scroll down to know.
How To Incorporate Bok Choy Into Your Diet?
Here are some ideas on how to prepare and eat bok choy:
Shred bok choy to make a raw salad with other vegetables. Dice it and add it to soups. Chop and incorporate it into a stir-fry. Slice it and drizzle with olive oil and salt, and roast in the oven. Use the shredded bok choy with some other leafy greens on a sandwich. Dice it finely and add it to fried rice.
You can add bok choy to your diet easily. Here are some easy-to-prepare bok choy recipes.
Bok Choy Recipes To Try
1. Bok Choy Salad
What Do You Need
Sliced bok choy – 2 bunches Chopped green onions – 1 bunch Olive oil – ½ cup White sugar – 1/3 cup Toasted almonds – 1/8 cup Soy sauce – 3 tablespoons White vinegar – ¼ cup Chow mein noodles – ½ package
Process
2. Egg Bok Choy
What Do You Need
Finely chopped onion – 1 Bok choy – 1 Egg – 1 Green chilies – 2 or 3 Oil – 1 tablespoon Mustard seeds – ¼ teaspoon Salt – to taste Split black gram – 1 teaspoon Curry leaves – 6
Process
3. Chicken And Bok Choy Soup
What Do You Need
Water – 6 cups Onion – 1 Small potatoes – 6 Vegetable oil – 1 tablespoon Garlic cloves (minced) – 2 Chicken soup base – 4 teaspoons Bok choy – 6 large ribs with leaves Carrots – 4 Celery – 2 stalks Boneless chicken – 2 (cut into ½ inch cubes)
Process These are some delicious recipes of bok choy. But if you can’t find it, you may use some other leafy veggies in its place.
Bok Choy Substitutes
Bok choy alternatives have some differences in taste and flavor. But they also are loaded with beneficial vitamins and minerals useful for maintaining your overall health. Here are some bok choy substitutes:
Celery Cabbage Spinach Swiss chard Napa cabbage
How to select and store bok choy? Here are some important tips to consider.
Bok Choy: Selection And Storage
Always select bok choy that has firm white stalks and crisp dark green leaves. Avoid those that are broken or have spotted leaves and limp stalks. If you want to store them in a refrigerator, keep them in a perforated plastic bag and they will last up to 3 to 4 days. Frozen bok choy can last between 10 and 12 months. Bok choy is generally considered safe for many people. But does excess consumption cause side effects? Scroll down to know.
Too Much Bok Choy: Risks And Potential Side Effects
Bok choy is generally considered safe to consume. But it may cause some adverse effects in people who consume it in excess. In general, cruciferous vegetables contain glucosinolates that may inhibit iodine absorption. However, this effect depends on the amount of bok choy consumed and its form. Cooked bok choy may not show any thyroid-inhibiting effect as heat deactivates the myrosinase enzyme (the enzyme responsible for the breakdown of glucosinolates). If you are using any blood thinners, consult with your doctor before consuming bok choy. The vitamin K in bok choy may interfere with blood-thinning medications. In the infographic below, discover more about bok choy, its popular cultivars, some tips on how to grow it in your home garden, and what to use as a substitute in recipes that call for bok choy. Is bok choy healthier raw or cooked? It is best to eat bok choy raw to get the maximum nutrients. The cooking process may deplete the vitamin levels in bok choy. Is bok choy good for arthritis? Yes. Bok choy is good for arthritis and can fight against inflammation effectively (37). Is bok choy good for weight loss? Bok choy may help lose weight due to its low calorie content. However, more research is warranted to prove this claim. Does bok choy make you poop? Yes. It may help you poop easily due to its high fiber content.
