Tag Archives: bok choy

The Secret Health Benefit of Cruciferous Veggies

By Team Best Life

All vegetables are good for you, but certain groups may pack a greater nutritional punch than others. Take cruciferous vegetables, the family that includes broccoli, cauliflower, bok choy and more. They’re loaded with antioxidant vitamins and phytochemicals, which offer protection against a number of illnesses, including heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s, according to research.

Now, experts say they may have figured out why these veggies are so beneficial: They seem to reduce inflammation, which plays a role in many of these diseases. In the study, people who ate the most cruciferous veggies had the lowest levels of three different inflammatory compounds—as much as 25 percent less—in their blood compared to those who ate the least cruciferous veggies. (more…)

Posted on April 15, 2024 by BestLifeDiet

Your Ultimate Guide to Greens: 15 Greens, What They Do, and How to Eat Them

Growing up, most of us were told at some point to “eat our greens.” We may not have listened at the time, but maybe we should have. As a group, leafy green vegetables, or “greens,” are known for their bounty of health benefits. As a whole, they are great sources of vitamins A and C, and each green has its own broad nutritional profile.

We share 15 greens, why you need to eat them, why they’re so good for you, and even recipes to best prepare and enjoy them!

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Posted on July 25, 2024 by Elizabeth

How to Cook with Bok Choy

Before the name makes you run in fear, hear us out. Bok choy is a nutritious little cruciferous vegetable that deserves a second look, and an addition to your favorite meals. It takes on the flavors of just about any dish and is also incredibly healthy. Consider this your bok-choy guide, and be sure to check out the tasty recipes at the end of the post to give this tasty veggie a go.

What is bok choy? Bok choy is a leafy Chinese cabbage that’s especially common in China, the Phillipines, and Vietnam. But it’s also become popular in other regions and stateside as well. It’s of the brassica family and is known for its sweet, nutrition-packed stalks. Bok choy can resemble collards and even cabbage, and grows upright from the ground. It’s also commonly referred to pak choi, pet say, white celery mustard, or Chinese white cabbage.

Health benefits: While bok choy is low in calories, it’s incredibly high in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate and vitamin B6. It also contains several carotenoids, including beta carotene which is extremely beneficial for eye health. Bok choy is also high in dietary fiber, low in sodium and a good source of calcium and potassium. (more…)

Posted on May 13, 2024 by Dana

What’s In Season: November Fruits and Vegetables

One of the best ways to lose weight and be healthy is to stock up on fresh fruits and veggies and make them a large part of every meal and snack. Filled with fiber, antioxidants, vitamins and water, fruits and veggies fill you up and give you quite the nutritional bang for your bite. In fact, studies show that high consumption of fruits and veggies can prevent cancer and lower blood pressure.

Although you may think of summer when it comes to the best fresh produce (strawberries, tomatoes and watermelon, oh my!), fall and winter are also a surprisingly tasty time to eat fresh. The in-season fruits and veggies for November are hearty, chock full of nutrition and darn delicious, and because they’re in season, these guys are usually cheaper and easier to get fresher than out-of-season produce. Bonus!