Bok choy is a staple in many Asian dishes. This plant, which is also known as Chinese white cabbage, has tender leaves and crunchy stalks and can be eaten either raw or cooked.
If you are planning on trying this vegetable, you may be wondering about its acidity. In this article, we will be taking a look into the acidity of bok choy and much more.
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Is bok choy acidic?
Bok choy is slightly acidic, but it is very close to neutral on the pH scale. The pH scale is a system that measures the acidity of different items. Bok choy has an average pH of about 6.5 to 7.0, meaning that while it is on the acidic side, it is also very close to being neutral.
This is just in its raw form, though. When bok choy is cooked, it will turn slightly more acidic than it started out as.
The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14. 7 is the neutral point and is considered neutral. Anything below 7 is considered to be acidic, while everything above 7 is considered to be alkaline, or basic.
Since bok choy is a member of the cabbage family, it has a similar pH to other types of cabbage: red cabbage usually has a pH of about 7.0, while green cabbage has an average pH of about 8.0.
Don't know what to drink? Check out these articles: 20 Most and Least Acidic Juices and 20+ Alcoholic Drinks Ranked by Acidity Level
Are common bok choy toppings acidic?
While you can eat bok choy raw and plain, it is often cooked in a wok or a skillet with various toppings. Here are some of the most common toppings that are added to bok choy, along with their pH levels:
Ginger – 5.6 to 5.9
Garlic – 6
Onions – 5.3 to 5.8
Soy sauce – 4.8
Vegetable broth – 5
White vinegar – 2.4 to 3.4
Honey – 3.5 5o 5.5
Chili flakes – 4.6 to 5.45
Oils that bok choy is commonly cooked in, such as sesame oil or vegetable oil, do not have a pH level. This is because pH can only be taken in aqueous solutions, and because oil and water do not mix, a pH cannot be determined.
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What does all of this mean for me?
Some people choose to follow what is known as an “alkaline diet.” Supporters of this diet believe that by replacing acidic foods with alkaline foods, their health will be improved.
While this diet is increasing in popularity, it is important to note that it is not very evidence-based.
Acidic foods include meat, fish, eggs, dairy, grains, and alcohol, while alkaline foods include some fruits, vegetables, legumes, and nuts.
Foods that are neutral (or near-neutral) include natural fats, sugars, and starches—and yes, bok choy! So if you are planning on eating more neutral or alkaline foods, bok choy will fit right in with your diet and lifestyle!
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What are the health benefits of bok choy?
On top of being a (nearly) neutral food, bok choy has many wonderful health benefits! Bok choy is loaded with tons of nutrients that your body needs, including vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
It is also bursting with antioxidants, which work to improve your overall health.
Studies have also shown that eating bok choy (and other cruciferous veggies, such as broccoli, cauliflower, turnips, and Brussel sprouts) may decrease the risk of developing cancer.
This is due in part to the fact that bok choy has many cancer-fighting compounds, including vitamin C, vitamin E, folate, selenium, and beta-carotene.
Bok choy also fights inflammation in the body, which can help prevent certain diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. The nutrients in bok choy also keep your bones strong, your eyes healthy, and your immune system in tip-top shape.
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Are there any negatives to bok choy?
Bok choy is packed with vitamin K- by eating just one cup of this vegetable, you are getting one-third of your daily recommended amount of vitamin K!
This is great unless you are taking certain medications, such as blood thinners. Bok choy also contains salicylates, which are also found in aspirin.
If you have difficulty taking aspirin products, you might have issues with bok choy. If you have either of these health concerns, talk to your doctor before adding bok choy into your diet.
Don't know what to drink? Check out these articles: 20 Most and Least Acidic Juices and 20+ Alcoholic Drinks Ranked by Acidity Level