9 Impressive Bok Choy Benefits

Bok choy may have a funny name, but it also has a wide range of health benefits, including its role in boosting the immune system, protecting the health of eyes, preventing chronic disease, increasing heart health, building strong bones, boosting circulation and speeding healing.

What Is Bok Choy?
While you may have only seen this vegetable on menus, it is one of the most nutrient-dense plants in the world, which is why it is such an important part of culinary traditions in various countries. Bok choy is also widely known as Chinese cabbage, but it can be found in many parts of the world, particularly in Europe, where it is commonly grown. Unlike many other types of cabbage, bok choy does not form heads, but rather spreads a dense cluster of leaves, similar to mustard greens. These smooth dark green leaves are often used as salad greens and included in many different dishes, and can be found in most import stores and larger grocery stores in the western world. Bok choy is more than just common in Asian dishes; it is also an incredibly rich source of nutrients, vitamins and minerals in diets of Asian and European countries.

As mentioned, bok choy is among the top three nutritious plants in terms of nutrient density, and in a single 100-gram serving, bok choy contains only 13 calories, yet it supplies huge amounts of vitamin C, A, K and B6, as well as various other minerals and essential nutrients that can seriously affect human health. This dense vegetable has earned its place in the diet of many health-conscious people, and is often used as a replacement for spinach, collard greens and other cruciferous vegetables. The many health benefits of this imported vegetable have made it hugely popular in health circles, so let’s take a look at some of the healthy advantages that bok choy can provide.

Health Benefits Of Bok Choy
 

Improves Bone Strength
One of the most obvious benefits of bok choy is the impact that it can have on bone structure and mineral density. The combination of critical minerals, such as iron, zinc, magnesium and calcium found in bok choy can help to prevent osteoporosis and keep your bones stable and strong well into your advanced years. Furthermore, a high level of vitamin K is found in bok choy, and adequate levels of this oft-overlooked vitamin is associated with lower risks of bone fractures as you get older.

Boosts Circulation
While iron has received some criticism in recent years when found in excess in the body, particularly in men, it is still a crucial part of the production of red blood cells. For those who may not get enough iron in their diet, adding bok choy can solve that problem very quickly. Adequate iron means proper circulation and oxygenation of key organ systems and extremities of the body.

Helps to Heal Faster
Vitamin K is a very important part of any diet, and is closely related to many areas of health, including bone strength and heart health, but in particular, it is known as a blood-clotting agent. For someone recovering from an injury or surgery, or experiencing excess bleeding, such as from hemorrhoids or unusually heavy menstruation, bok choy is an ideal remedy that can work very quickly.

Prevents Chronic Disease
Bok choy is like many other cabbages and cruciferous vegetables in that it possesses sulfur-based compounds that are directly linked to lower chances of developing cancer. These compounds act as antioxidants and eliminate free radicals before they have a chance to cause healthy cells to mutate or induce oxidative stress in tissues and organ systems.

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