Chinese broccoli, also known as Gai Lan, is similar to broccoli raab but is sweeter, less bitter and leafier.  Chinese broccoli has broad blue-green leaves with long, crisp, thick stems and a small head.  The long stems and dull green leaves are the main parts eaten, as opposed to the un-bloomed flower of Western broccoli. The full leaves are quite bitter with a sometimes spicy flavor.  Chinese broccoli is suited to roles somewhere between broccoli and broccoli raab and can be exchanged in recipes.  It is best when blanched and then stir-fried briefly, as it retains its nice green color.  Chinese broccoli is harvested just as the first flower buds begin to open. This is one of the world’s most nutritious vegetables, with one of the highest calcium contents of any food. It’s also rich in iron, vitamin A, and vitamin C. In Chinese restaurants, the vegetable is often cooked with oyster sauce, Canton style, and it has an affinity for that sauce. It’s sometimes blanched before it’s stir-fried, and can be cooked as you would broccoli.

 

Chinese broccoli is an edible green plant that is cultivated for its edible flower stalks. It belongs to the family Brassicaceae (alt.Cruciferae). Asparations, Asparation, Bimi, Baby Broccoli, Broccolini, Broccolette, Tenderstem Broccoli, Sweet Baby Broccoli, Broccoletti, Tenderstem are other common names of Chinese broccoli.

CHINESE BROCCOLI FACTS

Chinese broccoli Scientific Classification

Scientific Name: Brassica oleracea var. alboglabra

It is an annual plant that thrives in fertile soils and temperate, Mediterranean, or subtropical soils. The plant grows up to 5-30 cm high. It has a thick stem that is 15-20 cm long and 2 cm in diameter. The leaves are round or wavy in flat, glossy, and blue to green in color. The flowers of Chinese broccoli are white.

History

Chinese broccoli is originated in the Mediterranean. It is the earliest variety of Brassica which was cultivated. It is widely cultivated in Southeast Asia and South China which is presented in small quantities in Europe, Japan, and America.

Nutritional Value

The serving size of 100 grams contains only 30 calories. It grants 8000% of Vitamin B6, 74.25% of Vitamin K, 60.87% of Manganese, 32.89% of Vitamin C, 12.29% of Vitamin A, 11.77% of Vitamin B2, and 10.50% of Calcium. It offers various amounts of minerals, nutrients, lipids, and vitamins which provide various benefits.

Health Benefits of Chinese broccoli

Chinese broccoli is rich in nutrients and a good source of Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and Vitamin A. It also provides folic acid and high dietary fiber. The raw Chinese broccoli provides more nutrients than the cooked one because the cooking may lose the nutrients.

1. Blood vessels

Vitamin B6 is essential to regulate the homocysteine levels in the blood. High homocysteine level leads to inflammation, blood vessel, and heart disease. An inadequate amount of Vitamin B6 leads to homocysteine and plaque buildup which damages the linings of blood vessels and results in stroke and heart attack. The studies show that the intake of Vitamin B6 with folate helps to reduce the homocysteine levels and repair the damage of blood vessels. It also manages the cholesterol level and blood pressure which are the main causes of heart disease.

2. Prevent rheumatoid arthritis

An inadequate amount of Vitamin B6 increases the pain and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. People with rheumatoid arthritis need Vitamin B6 more, as they suffer from joint pain and muscle aches because of chronic inflammation. Vitamin B6 helps to eliminate the pain and aches in the joints and muscles caused by arthritis.

3. Healthy heart

Vitamin K helps to prevent the hardening of arteries which is one of the causes of heart attacks. It removes calcium from arteries that do not allow the deposit of hard and dangerous plaques. The studies show that Vitamin K is a vital nutrient that helps to reduce inflammation and prevent cells that line the blood vessels such as arteries and veins. The intake of an adequate amount of Vitamin K helps to maintain blood pressure and reduces the risk of cardiac arrest.

4. Bone health

Vitamin K helps to maintain the calcium in the bones that helps to reduce the chance of osteoporosis. The studies show that Vitamin K can prevent the loss of bone in some people having osteoporosis. The body requires Vitamin K for using calcium in order to build bones. Evidence shows that Vitamin K helps to promote bone health and lowers the chances of fractures in postmenopausal women who have a high chance of osteoporosis. The evidence shows that Vitamin D and K affect the balance of calcium which is vital for bone metabolism. The intake of foods rich in Vitamin K by injured people helps to prohibit sprained ankles and cure broken bones.

5. Assist lung health

The intake of manganese with the minerals such as zinc and calcium helps to treat the lung disorders such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Manganese helps to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation by the production of SODs that is essential to healing the lungs. Oxidative stress is the main cause of respiratory disorders such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

6. Treats cancer

Vitamin C helps to upgrade the cancer-fighting effects of drugs that are used in chemotherapy. Vitamin C targets the cells that required the nutrients without harming the normal cells. The research shows that Vitamin C is a cost-effective remedy for cancer such as lung and ovarian cancer.

7. Cures inflammation

Vitamin A counteracts the free radicals which damage the cells and tissues. It prevents the cells from being overactive. The inflammation and food allergies are the cause of overreacting of the immune system to the food nutrients. The intake of Vitamin A helps to reduce food allergies by preventing harmful overreaction. It reduces inflammation which helps to reduce the chances of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease.

8. Prevent migraine

Vitamin B2 helps to deal with the migraines and pain caused by it. The high dose of riboflavin of 400 mg helps to prevent headaches and cure the ones who experience migraine attacks. The riboflavin supplements act as an aid for headache and lower migraine frequency by reducing its symptoms as well as pain caused by a migraine and also shortening its duration.

9. Treat diabetes

Calcium and Vitamin D helps to optimize glucose metabolism and prevent diabetes. Both have a direct effect on pancreatic cells which helps to control the secretion of insulin and level of blood sugar. Calcium is a vital component for the cellular process which occurs in the insulin-responsive tissues such as fat tissue and skeletal tissue.

10. Assist vision

The research shows that thiamine prevents the vision ailments such as glaucoma and cataracts. It is because it is able to influence muscle and nerve signaling which is essential for the relay of information from the eyes to the brain.

References

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