Pakcoy or bok choy contains fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can improve your health. Its sweet taste and crunchy texture make the benefits of pakcoy very dear to miss.
The benefits of Pakcoy may not be known to many people. In fact, vegetables that are easily found in this market contain a variety of important nutrients that are nutritious to protect the body from a number of diseases.
Pakcoy also includes low-calorie foods that are suitable for inclusion in your healthy diet choices. In addition, Pakcoy is also very easy to consume. In addition to sauteing or making soup, this vegetable can also be eaten raw.
Various Pakcoy Benefits for Health
Pakcoy is a source of vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin B6, folic acid, antioxidant beta carotene, and calcium. Thanks to the various nutritional content, there are several benefits of pakcoy that you can get, namely:
1. Prevent cancer
Pakcoy contains chemical compounds, such as flavonoids and isothiocyanates, which can prevent cancer. These compounds have been shown to protect body cells from damage caused by free radicals and carcinogenic substances that can cause cancer.
The benefits of pakcoy in preventing cancer are also supported by a number of studies. In these studies, regular consumption of pakcoy can prevent the emergence of several types of cancer, such as colorectal cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer and breast cancer.
2. Lowering blood pressure and reducing the risk of heart disease
As a food rich in calcium and potassium, pakcoy can naturally help control blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease. In addition, vitamin B6 and folate in pakcoy can also help reduce the production of compounds that cause damage to blood vessels and heart muscle.
3. Improve eye health
The benefits of pakcoy which are equally important are that it helps maintain eye health and prevents various eye diseases, such as dry eyes, macular degeneration, and cataracts. This is due to the abundance of vitamin A and antioxidant beta carotene in pakcoy.
4. Strengthens bones
The content of iron, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and vitamin K in pakcoy functions to maintain healthy bones and teeth. This vegetable can also be an option for plant-based calcium sources if you cannot consume dairy products.
5. Healthy digestive system
Pakcoy is also a great source of fiber. By meeting adequate fiber intake, you will avoid various digestive problems. In addition, pakcoy is also classified as a low-carbohydrate vegetable that is safe for consumption by sufferers of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and Crohn’s disease who often experience abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation.
Pakcoy benefits not only that. This vegetable is also a good source of nutrition for pregnant women and fetuses, healthy skin and hair, and boosts the immune system.
In order to get the maximum benefits of pakcoy, choose fresh pakcoy, bright green leaves, and pure white stems. These vegetables should also be stored in the refrigerator in a loose or perforated plastic bag so they can last 3–4 days. Pakcoy does not need to be washed before storing.
The benefits of pakcoy are many and you can include it in your daily menu. However, be careful when consuming Pakcoy if you have thyroid problems. The reason is, this vegetable is included in the type of goitrogenic vegetable that can interfere with the function of the thyroid gland if consumed in excess.
There are ways you can still enjoy Pakcoy without worrying about these side effects, namely by adopting a varied diet and ensuring adequate iodine intake.
If you still have questions about the benefits of pakcoy or maybe want to ensure the safety of consuming pakcoy related to your health condition, don’t hesitate to consult a doctor.
