When it comes to ethnic cuisine, Chinese food may be on of your healthier choices because of its emphasis on vegetables and healthy vegetable oils. The Chinese use a number of vegetables in their cuisine. Knowing the nutritional information for some of these vegetables may inspire you to substitute one of these healthy choices for your usual vegetable repertoire.
Bok Choy
Bok choy, also known as Chinese cabbage, is a crunchy vegetable with a peppery taste. You can saute, stir fry or steam bok choy. It is low in calories and high in vitamin A and vitamin C. One cup of shredded bok choy contains 10 calories, 0 g of fat, 45 mg of sodium, 2 g of carbohydrates, 1 g of fiber and 1 g of protein. It also meets 60 percent of your daily value for vitamin A, 50 percent of your daily value for vitamin C, 8 percent of your daily value for calcium and 4 percent of your daily value for iron.
Water Chestnuts
Chinese water chestnuts are available fresh or canned, but you are more likely to find them canned. Chinese water chestnuts are crunchy with a sweet nutty taste. They also make a healthy addition to your stir fries. A 1/2 cup serving of canned water chestnuts contains 35 calories, 0 g of fat, 6 mg of sodium, 9 g of carbohydrates, 2 g of fiber and 1 g of protein. Although not as nutrient-rich as bok choy, water chestnuts provide some of your daily vitamin and mineral needs, meeting 2 percent of your daily value for vitamin C and 6 percent of your daily value for vitamin B 6.
Daikon
Daikon is a type of radish. It is long and white and has a sweet and peppery flavor. The daikon is very low in calories, but a good source of vitamin C. A 2 oz. serving of fresh daikon contains 15 calories, 1 g of fat, 0 mg of sodium, 1 g of carbohydrates and 1 g of fiber. It also meets 2 percent of your daily value for vitamin A and 15 percent of your daily value for vitamin C.
Snow Peas
Snow peas, also called Chinese pea pods, are crispy and sweet. They are low in calories and high in vitamin C, and a good source of iron. You can add snow peas to your stir fry or serve them steamed instead of green beans. A 1/2 cup serving of cooked snow peas contains 35 calories, 0 g of fat, 0 mg of sodium, 6 g of carbohydrates, 2 g of fiber and 2 g of protein. It also meets 70 percent of your daily value for vitamin C, 2 percent of your daily value for vitamin A, 4 percent of your daily value for calcium and 10 percent of your daily value for iron.
References
- Center for Science in the Public Interest; Chinese Food: A Wok on the Wild Side; Jane Hurley and Bonnie Liebman
- Dummies.com; Types of Chinese Vegetables; Martin Yan
- Fruits and Veggies Matter: Bok Choy
- Fit Dat: How Many Calories are in Water Chestnuts, Chinese, Canned, Solid and Liquid
- Rain Garden Ornamentals; Growing Water Chestnuts in Hawaii; John Hopkins
- Fruits and Veggies Matter: Daikon
- Fruits and Veggies Matter: Snow Peas



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