Bok Choy: 7 Health Benefits

Bok choy, also known as Chinese white cabbage, is cruciferous vegetable that was first cultivated in China thousands of years ago. It's now consumed all over the world. Bok choy health benefits stem from the antioxidants, vitamins and minerals it contains.

Bok Choy Health Benefits

1. Protects Against Cancer

Bok choy health benefits include the ability to help protect the body from cancer. Research has shown that eating cruciferous vegetables is linked with a lower risk of developing lung, prostate, colon and breast cancer. Cruciferous vegetables like bok choy contain glucosinolates that are converted into isothiocyanates in the body. These compounds work to help fight cancer. Bok choy health benefits also include DNA synthesis and repair. It contains folate, which helps prevent cancer cells from forming. (1)

2. Promotes Bone Health

Bok choy contains iron, phosphorous, calcium, magnesium, zinc and vitamin K. These nutrients supply the body with plenty of bok choy health benefits to help build and maintain strong bones. Iron and zinc work to produce collagen for the skin, while phosphorus and calcium help maintain bone structure. (2)

3. Lowers Blood Pressure

Boy choy health benefits include the ability to naturally lower blood pressure levels, thanks to the potassium, calcium and magnesium content. Potassium in particular provides vasodilation effects to help lower blood pressure.

4. Promotes Heart Health

Bok choy health benefits include the ability to help maintain a healthy heart. Bok choy contains folate, potassium, Vitamin C and Vitamin B6, all of which work to promote heart health. Vitamin B6 and folate work to prevent toxin buildup in the body that can damage blood vessels and lead to heart problems.

5. Reduces Inflammation

Thanks to the choline it contains, bok choy health benefits include the ability to reduce inflammation in the body. Choline aids in sleep, muscle movement, learning and memory. It also plays a role in the transmission of nerve impulses, the absorption of fat and the reduction of chronic inflammation. (3)

6. Boosts Immunity

Bok choy health benefits include a strengthened immune system. Bok choy contains selenium, which has positive effects on immunity. Selenium has the ability to improve immune response to infection by stimulating the production of killer T-cells, which work to fight off harmful bacteria and keep the body healthy.

7. Promotes Skin Health

Bok choy health benefits include healthy and glowing skin. The skin's collagen relies on Vitamin C. Bok choy contains Vitamin C, which works in the body as an antioxidant to help prevent skin damage caused by the sun, pollution and smoking. The Vitamin C in bok choy also promotes collagen's ability to help smooth wrinkles and the skin and improve the skin's overall look and texture. Consuming plant foods can help promote healthy skin as well as healthy hair.