Why Vitamin K is Essential and How to Boost It Naturally

Vitamin K is a vital nutrient for the body, playing key roles in blood clotting, bone health, and vascular function. So why is it important to ensure our bodies are sufficiently supplied with Vitamin K? Here are some compelling reasons:

1. Proper Blood Clotting
Vitamin K is involved in activating proteins responsible for the blood clotting process. A deficiency in Vitamin K can lead to clotting issues and increase the risk of uncontrolled bleeding after injuries.

2. Maintaining Bone Health
Vitamin K helps activate proteins such as osteocalcin, which are essential for bone building. Studies show that adequate intake of Vitamin K can reduce the risk of fractures and help maintain healthy bone density, particularly in older adults and those at risk for osteoporosis.

3. Cardiovascular Health
Vitamin K helps regulate the calcification process in arteries, the accumulation of calcium in blood vessels, which can lead to heart problems. By activating proteins that prevent calcification, Vitamin K helps maintain the flexibility of blood vessels.

How to Naturally Boost Your Vitamin K Levels?

Vitamin K is found in a variety of foods, primarily in green leafy vegetables, as well as animal products and vegetable oils. The vitamin found in greens is called Vitamin K1, while in animal-based foods, it's known as K2.

The plant-based version of Vitamin K1 is more common in foods, especially in green vegetables (though not exclusively). Excellent sources include kale, spinach, broccoli, cabbage, and Swiss chard. This vitamin is also present in canola and soybean oils, although in much lower quantities than in leafy greens.
Vitamin K2 is found in animal-based foods like eggs, beef or chicken liver, and fermented cheeses like Brie and Gouda.