Bok Choy Green Juice Recipe: Bok Choy Health Benefits

This bok choy juice recipe is not only incredibly refreshing and surprisingly sweet, it also includes a variety of vegetables that have numerous health benefits. A glass of bok choy juice in the morning will put you on the right path towards a healthy day packed with servings of powerful vegetables.

Jump to Recipe

My bok choy juice recipe contains parsley, lemon, celery, pineapple, ginger, and, of course, bok choy. As far as green juice recipes go, this one might be my favorite. Read on to learn more about the benefits of boy choy juice, the benefits of the other ingredients in my green juice recipe, choosing a juicer, and storing juice. Remember that it is best to choose organic produce when juicing.

I love to include cruciferous vegetables in my diet whenever possible. Organic bok choy, with its dark green leaves and white stems, is the perfect cruciferous veggie to juice because it produces a lot of liquid in the juicing process. Another benefit of bok choy is that it is easy to find in your local grocery store. Kale and other leafy green vegetables that are cruciferous, while super healthy, tend to produce very little juice. Swiss chard, another member of the cruciferous family, is a comparable vegetable which is also a good option for juicing. Cabbage is also a part of the cruciferous vegetable family and could be used for juicing. 

Bok choy, a variety of chinese cabbage, is a nutrient-dense leafy green vegetable that offers various health benefits. Its juice can be a convenient and flavorful way to incorporate these nutrients into your diet. Here are nine potential health benefits of bok choy juice:

1. Rich in Essential Vitamins C, A and K: Bok choy is a good source of vitamin A, which supports eye health and Vitamin C, which supports the immune system.Vitamin K is also found in bok choy. Vitamin K supports healthy blood clotting.
2. Essential Mineral Content: It contains essential minerals such as calcium, potassium, and manganese, supporting bone health, electrolyte balance, and metabolic functions.
3. Antioxidant Properties: Bok choy contains powerful antioxidants like vitamin C and beta-carotene, helping combat oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.
4. Heart Health: Bok choy is a good source of potassium and folate. The potassium and folate in bok choy contribute to heart health by regulating high blood pressure and play a crucial role supporting cardiovascular function.
5. Bone Health: Bok choy is rich in vitamin K and calcium plays a role in bone metabolism, aiding in bone density and reducing the risk of osteoporosis.
6. Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Compounds in bok choy may have anti-inflammatory effects, potentially benefiting conditions related to inflammation.
7. Cancer Prevention: Some studies suggest that the antioxidants and phytochemicals in bok choy may contain cancer-fighting compounds. It can possibly lower cancer risk for cancers including colon cancer and breast cancer.
8. Hydration: With a high water content, bok choy and its juice contribute to hydration, essential for various bodily functions and overall health.
9. Glucosinolates: Glucosinolates are natural compounds found in cruciferous vegetables that have been studied for their potential health benefits. When cruciferous vegetables are juiced, chopped, chewed, or otherwise broken down, glucosinolates are converted into bioactive compounds, including sulforaphane. Sulforaphane is known for its potential antioxidant and anti-cancer properties. It may help support the body's detoxification processes, combat oxidative stress, and have anti-inflammatory effects.

While these potential benefits are associated with the nutrients found in bok choy, it's important to remember that individual responses may vary. It's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized dietary recommendations and to ensure bok choy juice fits well into your overall nutrition plan.

Along with bok choy, our cruciferous green vegetable of choice for this green juice, the other ingredients in this bok choy juice blend recipe offer a variety of additional impressive health benefits:

1. Celery: Celery is a common ingredient in many juice recipes. It is an excellent addition to this juice. Celery is recognized for it's important roles in:
   • Hydration: Celery has a high water content, aiding in hydration and supporting overall bodily functions.
   • Providing antioxidants: Celery contains antioxidants like vitamin C and flavonoids, contributing to immune health and fighting oxidative stress.
2. Parsley: Parsley helps to create the beautiful, vibrant green color of this juice that I just love. This green veggie also plays a vital role in the impressive nutritional benefits of this bok choy green juice by providing:
   • Vitamin K: A good source of vitamin K, supporting blood clotting and bone health.
   • Antioxidants: Provides flavonoids and other antioxidants, contributing to overall health and reducing oxidative stress.
3. Lemon: Lemon is a popular choice in juice blends because it masks the flavors of the other vegetables with a refreshing taste. The lemon juice is also a significant contributor to the health benefits of this green juice. Lemon offers:
   • Vitamin C: An excellent source of vitamin C, which supports the immune system and promotes skin health.
   • Alkalizing Properties: Despite its acidic taste, lemon has alkalizing effects in the body, potentially aiding in pH balance.
4. Pineapple: Pineapple is another popular ingredient in green juices. Like the lemon juice, it helps to create the refreshing and sweet flavor of this juice.  It also contains super healthy ingredients like:
   • Bromelain: Contains bromelain, an enzyme with anti-inflammatory properties that may support digestion.
   • Vitamin C: Adds an extra boost of vitamin C, enhancing immune function.
5. Ginger: Ginger is one of my favorite additions to juice. It adds a fresh kick, while also playing an essential role in the heath benefits of this bok choy juice blend. Read more about juicing ginger here! Ginger's health benefits include:
   • Anti-Inflammatory properties: Ginger contains bioactive compounds with anti-inflammatory effects, potentially reducing inflammation in the body.
   • Digestive Health: Known for its digestive benefits, ginger may help alleviate nausea and support the digestive system overall.

Combining these ingredients in a juice provides a nutrient-rich beverage with a range of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and potential anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, the hydration from the celery and the alkalizing effects of lemon contribute to an overall refreshing and health-promoting drink. Enjoying just an 8-ounce serving of this juice as part of a can be a tasty way to support your well-being.

The best type of juicer depends on your preferences, needs, and the type of produce you plan to juice. In my opinion any type of juicer is a good choice. Find one that is affordable and easy enough for you to use regularly. 

Read more about juicers and the juicing process.

1. Centrifugal Juicers:
   • Pros: Fast and efficient, particularly with hard fruits and vegetables. Generally more affordable than other types.
   • Cons: May produce heat that can affect the quality of juice, and they are less effective for leafy greens.
2. Masticating Juicers (Cold Press or Slow Juicers):
   • Pros: Preserve more nutrients due to their slow and gentle juicing process. Effective for dark leafy greens and produce less heat.
   • Cons: Generally more expensive than centrifugal juicers. Slower in operation.
3. Twin Gear (Triturating) Juicers:
   • Pros: Efficient at extracting juice, especially from leafy greens. Preserve nutrients well and produce little heat.
   • Cons: Among the most expensive juicers on the market. Slower than centrifugal but faster than some masticating juicers.

• Type of Produce: If you primarily juice hard fruits and vegetables, a centrifugal juicer may suffice. If you focus on leafy greens and a variety of produce, masticating or twin gear juicers may be a better option.
• Nutrient Preservation: Masticating and twin gear juicers are known for preserving more nutrients due to their slower process and minimal heat production.
• Budget: Centrifugal juicers are often more budget-friendly, while masticating and twin gear juicers tend to be pricier but offer additional benefits.

Ultimately, the best juicer for you depends on your priorities, budget, and the types of fruits and vegetables you plan to juice regularly. 

Fresh green juice is best consumed immediately to maximize its nutritional benefits, as exposure to air and light can lead to the degradation of certain nutrients. However, it is perfectly fine to story your green juice to drink at a later time. Here are some general guidelines:

1. Refrigeration: Store the fresh bok choy juice in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Cold temperatures help slow down the degradation of nutrients.
2. Short-Term Storage: For the best quality and nutrient retention, consume the juice within 24 to 48 hours.
3. Air-Tight Containers: Use containers that minimize air exposure to reduce oxidation. Fill the container to the top to minimize the air space.
4. Dark Containers: If possible, choose dark containers to protect the juice from light, as light exposure can also contribute to nutrient loss.
5. Shake Before Drinking: If the juice separates during storage, give it a good shake before consuming to mix the ingredients back together.

Freezing is another option to consider if you would like to make your bok choy juice ahead of time. Read about the best methods for freezing fresh juice.