The lush green leaves of bok choy are ideal for salads and soups for their excellent taste. Besides being known for its great taste, bok choy also has several health benefits. It is a rich source of many essential vitamins like vitamin A, C,and K. Vitamin A is essential for proper functioning of the immune system, improvement of vision and proper growth of bones and teeth, while vitamin K plays a significant role in the coagulation of blood. In addition, Vitamin K facilitates the absorption of calcium and maintains bone density. Vitamin C is a well known natural antioxidant, which protects the body from the harmful effects of free radicals.
Chinese cabbage, also known as snow cabbage, is a Chinese leaf vegetable often used in Chinese cuisine. The vegetable is related to the Western cabbage, and is of the same species as the common turnip. There are many variations on its name, spelling, and scientific classification.Bok choy is a low calorie, high nutrient food. One cup of raw bok choy provides 63 percent daily value of vitamin A, 52 percent of vitamin C and 40 percent of vitamin K. It also has 7 percent DV of calcium, 5 percent of potassium and 6 percent of manganese.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.
Bok choy is an excellent vegetable for weight management because it only has 4 calories per serving and is fiber rich. It has more calcium and beta carotene than its other cabbage relatives and is also high in potassium, folate and Vitamins A, C and K. Bok choy is an excellent source of phytonutrients which, along with the powerful antioxidant combination of Vitamins A and C, help keep your body cancer free. Potassium is important for healthy muscle and nerve function. In addition, the high levels of Vitamin K and calcium promote strong, healthy bones.
Bok choy or Chinese cabbage is a rich source of vitamin D, which facilitates the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, and thereby ensures healthy bones and teeth. Bok choy can provide you with sufficient amounts of folate and vitamin B6. Folate is mainly required for proper development of tissues and cells and is associated with lowering the risk of heart diseases. Vitamin B6, on the other hand, is crucial for carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism and formation of red blood cells and antibodies.
The dark green leafy tops of bok choy are nutrient dense and help in the prevention of many diseases and health problems, including cancer and heart disease. Bok choy is a good source of potassium which helps to prevent high blood pressure. Because of its low glycemic index, bok choy can actually help decrease your risk of diabetes. The high level of carotenoids are very beneficial to your eyes and can prevent cataracts and age related macular degeneration. With all the amazing benefits of bok choy, this is one vegetable you can’t miss out on.
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 bonesBok 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.
For more information go to www.maculardegenerationassociation.org
Monday, January 4, 2010
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