9 Impressive Bok Choy Benefits

Eye Care
One of the major vitamin components of bok choy is vitamin A, which is composed of various carotenoids, including beta-carotene and alpha-carotene. Furthermore, vitamin A is closely associated with eye health, and the prevention of macular degeneration and oxidative stress in the retina. This means that adding a strange-sounding vegetable to your salads may just keep your vision in line for a few extra years!

Improves Cardiovascular Health
Some of the components found in bok choy, particularly folic acid and vitamin B-6, are directly linked to improving the strength of the heart. More specifically, these substances can reduce the level of homocysteine in the blood, which is a strong indicator of heart disease and other cardiovascular issues. Furthermore, some of the minerals found in bok choy are able to regulate the functioning of the heart, ensuring that blood pressure is appropriate, thus mitigating the risk of heart attack, stroke and atherosclerosis.

Boosts Immune System
There are quite a few vitamins found in bok choy, but vitamin C is among the best in terms of concentration. This immediately means that this vegetable can help to improve the functioning of the immune system. Vitamin C is not only able to stimulate the production of white blood cells, but it also acts as an antioxidant, preventing oxidative stress and chronic disease throughout the body. Vitamin C is also an important part of collagen, which is needed for healing and recovery, as well as in every cell of the body!

Skin Care
What many people don’t realize about vitamin C is the crucial role it plays in the production of collagen, and therefore the health and appearance of the skin. Every skin cell requires collagen to be formed, further accentuating how important ascorbic acid is in our diet. When it comes to bok choy, there is plenty of vitamin C to go around (33% of the daily recommended amount in a single serving), which means that it can definitely aid in the rejuvenation of your skin.

Lowers Blood Pressure
In a single cup of bok choy, there is roughly 20% of your daily recommended amount of potassium. This is very important for heart health, as potassium works as a vasodilator to relieve tension on blood vessels and thus lower strain on the cardiovascular system. Potassium is also a critical aspect of bone health, and water balance throughout the body.

Final Word of Warning

Due to the high levels of vitamin K found in bok choy, patients already taking blood-clotting medicine should speak to their doctor before adding this cruciferous vegetable to their diet. Also, when eaten in extreme amounts, raw bok choy could potentially have a negative effect on the thyroid function. However, cooking bok choy usually eliminates this danger.