Pechay for Health

Rose May Pimentel in Health

May 03, 2021 • 3 min Read

One of the favorite vegetables of Filipinos is pechay, also known as bok choy or Chinese cabbage. Pechay is delicious, full of fiber, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other nutrients that are beneficial to our health.

Pechay is a necessary ingredient in indigenous Filipino dishes like nilaga, pechay with tokwa, kare-kare, ginisang pechay, while others simply steam it over cooking rice.

Here are some of the amazing benefits of Pechay, from Organic Facts:

* Improves Bone Strength

The combination of critical minerals, such as iron, zinc, magnesium, and calcium found in pechay can help prevent osteoporosis and keep your bones stable well into your advanced years. Furthermore, a high level of vitamin K is found in pechay, and adequate levels of this oft-overlooked vitamin are associated with a lower risk of bone fractures as you get older.

* Boosts Circulation

Iron plays a key role in the production of red blood cells. For those who may not get enough iron in their diet, adding pechay may help solve that problem very quickly. Adequate iron means proper circulation and oxygenation of key organ systems and extremities of the body.

* Helps to Heal Faster

Vitamin K is an important part of a diet and closely related to bone strength, heart health, and particularly known as a blood-clotting agent. For someone recovering from an injury, surgery, or experiencing excess bleeding, such as from hemorrhoids or unusually heavy menstruation, pechay may be of help.

* Prevents Chronic Disease

Pechay possesses sulfur-based compounds that may help lower the risk of developing chronic diseases. These compounds act as antioxidants and eliminate free radicals before they cause healthy cells to mutate or induce oxidative stress in tissues and organ systems.

* Eye Care

One of the major vitamin components of pechay is vitamin A, associated with eye health and prevention of macular degeneration and oxidative stress in the retina.

* Improves Cardiovascular Health

Some of the components found in pechay, particularly folic acid and vitamin B-6 are linked to improving heart health. These substances can reduce the level of homocysteine in the blood, which is a strong indicator of heart disease and other cardiovascular issues.

* Boosts Immune System

Vitamin C aside from stimulating the production of white blood cells also acts as an antioxidant it prevents oxidative stress and chronic disease throughout the body. Pechay has vitamin C and can help improve the functioning of the immune system. Vitamin C is also an important part of collagen that is needed for healing and recovery.

* Skin Care

When it comes to pechay, there is plenty of vitamin C to go around (33% of the daily recommended amount in a single serving) and can aid in the rejuvenation of the skin. Vitamin C helps in the production of collagen and helps improve the health and appearance of the skin.

* Lowers Blood Pressure

In a single cup of pechay, there is roughly 20% of your daily recommended amount of potassium as it works as a vasodilator to relieve tension on blood vessels and thus lower strain on the cardiovascular system. Potassium is also a critical aspect of bone health, and water balance throughout the body.

Now, that’s a lot of nutritional goodness from one vegetable only. At these trying times, it pays to rediscover the nutritional benefits of indigenous vegetables and revive our healthy consumption patterns just like in the olden days.

Stay healthy and safe!