This Chinese Herb Does Wonders to Your Body

Ever heard of Bok Choy?  This herb may have a funny name, but it also happens to be one of the most nutrient-dense plants in the world. For the most part, Bok Choy is very popular Chinese cabbage which can also found in other parts of the world, especially Europe. It's important to note that this herb doesn't look like the typical cabbage — it actually has dark green leaves, all of which are connected to white stalks. 

It's good to know that just one cup contains nine calories, yet it supplies significant amounts of dietary fiber, proteins as well as various other essential vitamins and minerals. This nutrient-rich vegetable has become a staple in the diet of many health-conscious people primarily because of the tremendous health benefits it offers. Let's check them out!

Improve Heart Health 

Bok Choy contains certain components including Vitamin B6 and folic acid — both of which are directly linked to strengthening the heart. For the most part, these substances reduce high levels of homocysteine in the blood, which happens to increase the risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular issues.

It's also good to point out that some minerals in the herb regulate the proper functioning of the heart, thus reducing the risk of stroke and heart attack. 

Stronger Bones 

Bok Choy also does wonders to your bones — one cup of the herb contain up 72% of the recommended values of Vitamin K. For the most part, Vitamin K plays a significant role in bone metabolism by promoting bone growth.

It also contains essential minerals like zinc, magnesium, and iron, all of which can help keep your bones stable and prevent osteoporosis. 

Lowers and Stabilize Blood Pressure 

Do you know that a single cup of bok choy contains up to 20% of your daily recommended amount of potassium? Well, it does and also happens to be critical for heart health.

Potassium plays a role in relieving tension on blood vessels which eventually lowers strain on the cardiovascular system. 

Healthy Eyes 

Bok choy is also rich in Vitamin A — this vitamin is also loaded with carotenoids including alpha-carotene and beta-carotene. These carotenoids may prevent macular degeneration and cataracts.

It also improves night vision and decreases the risk of retinis pigmentosa. As you can see, this strange-sounding vegetable is one of the foods you need to keep your eyes in tip top shape for years to come. 

Fights Cancer 

It's also good to point out that bok choy is like many other cruciferous vegetables in the sense that it possesses certain compounds that lower the risk of cancer.

These sulfur-based compounds fight against free radicals before they get the chance to affect healthy cells and cause them to mutate — so add more bok choy to your tasty salads to kick that chronic disease out of your life! 

Boost Immune System 

Bok choy also boast high amounts of Vitamin C — just one cup contains 74% of the recommended value. This simply means that this vegetable can boost the overall functionality of your immune system and that's huge. 

It's also important to note that Vitamin C acts an antioxidant which prevents oxidative stress and chronic disease throughout the body. Finally, Vitamin C also aids the production of collagen, which in turn improves the health and appearance of the skin. 

And that's it! These are the amazing health benefits of this nutrient-dense vegetable — it's now up to you to add more of it to your salads! Here's to good health!