Never Tried Bok Choy? You might want to give it a look.

If you're like I was, the name Bok Choy is familiar...something to do with Chinese food...but you've never purchased it and cooked with it. It's the unknown vegetable. But you may want to step out of the box and give it a whirl. It happens that there are a lot of health benefits to adding this cabbage family item to your normal diet. It has lots of beta-carotene, is rich in Vitamin D, C, A and K, potassium, calcium, dietary fiber, and is low in fat and calories.


Take a look at these facts:

• It has powerful antioxidant carotenoids that guard free-radical damage to organs and skin
• Bok Choy can decrease the risk of lung cancer thanks to the beta-carotene it contains.
• Studies have show that the lutein and zeaxathin in bok choy will help lower the risk of developing cataracts and help protect the eyes.
• The Vitamin A contained in the vegetable is essential for the proper functioning of the immune system.
• Women should make bok choy a part of their regular diet because it is an excellent source of calcium.
• The Chinese cabbage is also a rich source of Vitamin D, which helps to facilitate the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, with ensures that the bones and teeth will remain healthy.
• It can also provide excellent amounts of folate and B6 which decrease the risks of heart disease and strokes.
• The minerals found in bok choy like potassium help reduce the risk of circulatory diseases and regulate the blood pressure.
• It is an excellent source of dietary fiber.
• It’s fat-free and is very low in sodium.
• Aids in healthy digestion

Mildly flavored with a tender sweetness, it's a welcome accompaniment to many meals without being overpowering.   It can be found fresh year-round in supermarkets.  The green leaves of bok choy are great for salads and soups. Many say that bok choy has a vastly superior and richer taste compared to other types of cabbage.   Need some help with how to use it?  I like to saute it in olive oil with other vegetables and cheese for an egg scramble.  And below are links to some other ideas and recipes!

Let me know what you think!
LJ

Bok Choy Lentil Soup:
http://recipescollected.com/2010/11/bok-choy-lentil-soup-recipe/

Salmon with Almonds and Bok Choy:
http://www.cooks.com/rec/doc/0,1745,156167-240201,00.html

Bok Choy Salad:
http://www.cooks.com/rec/doc/0,1643,146176-231200,00.html

Citrus Shrimp:
http://www.cooks.com/rec/doc/0,1945,156186-250200,00.html

Rebounding to Fitness!

Jump Your Way to Health

I have always liked to jog to stay in shape, but in recent years have found it to be too rough on my joints.   Then I happened upon some interesting information about Mini Trampolines, also called Rebounders.  Scientific studies have shown that jogging/bouncing on a Rebounder is a more efficient exercise (68% more efficient, according to NASA) than the ground.  It also has the up side that it is very gentle on joints.   So I put a Rebounder in my living room (so that I could watch TV while jogging) and have found it to be one of the best ways to exercise.  I can use it anytime of day, for as little or long as I want, and I don’t have to brave weather conditions or get shin splints.  And if you are not a jogger, the studies have shown that even gentle bouncing can increase your level of health.  Among the many areas it profits: it builds bone/spine mass, eases arthritis pain, increases metabolism, stimulates the lymphatic system to release bad cholesterol, and strengthens the heart muscle. 

I love the fact that I can get a great work out without having to go to a gym (saves time and money) and that I can do it so easily…all topped off with the fact that it is much gentler on my joints.  So if you find that you are concerned about your joints, and/or don’t have time to go to a gym, you may want to try bouncing your way to fitness!

If you want more information on Rebounding, here are some great links to check out:

 “It is especially healing for the ankles, knees and low back, without the shock of regular exercise. Scientists at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) cited rebounding as being 68% more efficient than regular running exercises. Rebounding is more playful than it is a job of exercise.”

http://www.lightparty.com/Health/BouncingForHealth.html


"....you can exercise quite vigorously on a trampoline without feeling out of breath, but still gain the same benefits you would from jogging on pavement. This is good news for people who just can't go running because of health reasons such as arthritis.  It avoids the shinsplints and knee problems associated with exercise on a hard surface. It also has the beneficial effect of restoring bone mass and can actually stop osteoporosis...."
http://www.busywomensfitness.com/rebounding.html