Vitamin K is a group of structurally similar, fat-soluble vitamins that the human body needs for posttranslational modification of certain proteins required for blood coagulation, and in metabolic pathways in bone and other tissue. It has been common knowledge that you need to get your daily allotment of essential vitamins and minerals to maintain health. Of these vitamins the ones most often thought of are the B vitamins and vitamin C. Vitamin K is another important vitamin for health, though often less thought of. Here are some of the important health benefits of vitamin K:
Bone health
Vitamin K is essential for bone health. It can help the bones to better absorb and use calcium obtained through your diet. Also, there is a direct correlation between vitamin K and bone density. Vitamin K can benefit the body to produce stronger and healthier bones. The better your bone health the more likely you are to prevent osteoporosis.
Blood Health
The factor in your blood that encourages clotting after an injury is the result of vitamin K. Vitamin K is responsible for helping your reduce inflammation throughout your body and blood vessels as well. This can be an important factor in maintaining a healthy heart. For women, vitamin K can have an added blood health benefit during menstruation as it helps to reduce pain by keeping menstruation hormones balanced. In addition, vitamin K plays an important part in proper blood sugar level maintenance in the pancreas.
Immune System Health
Vitamin K has been shown to help with immune system health as well. Because of its antioxidant properties it can help to prevent stresses caused by free radicals.
Digestive Health
Because vitamin K is responsible for increasing and regulating blood flow, it is necessary for good digestive health. Vitamin K is absorbed by your body and used to increase blood flow as needed to aid in digestion.
Brain Function
Vitamin K is important for brain health in that it aids the body in production of sphingolipids an essential fat needed to help protect the nerve endings in the brain.
Vitamin K is an easy vitamin to get in its natural form as it is found in several different foods. Some of the best sources for vitamin K include broccoli, kale, spinach, romaine lettuce and blueberries. You should be working to include some of these items in your daily diet to ensure you are getting enough vitamin K, and don’t worry if you’re getting all of your vitamin K from fruits and vegetables you can’t go wrong can’t overdo and there’s not worry about getting more than the minimum required amount. Enjoy fresh foods and the benefits you can get from vitamin K.