A Look at Some Food Sources that Contain Vitamin K1 and K2

Vitamin K is an essential fat soluble vitamin that is essential for the normal functioning of all cells and the maintenance of health. There are various forms of vitamin K being produced by the body. The two major classes are: vitamin K1 and vitamin K vitamin (phylloquinone or menaquinones and also known as K2s). All vitamin K is fat soluble; however, vitamin K is absorbed best by breaking it down in the small intestine rather than by absorption through the mouth and large intestine as with vitamin K and also other fat soluble vitamins. Vitamin K has many benefits. One of its important functions is in regulating the absorption of calcium in the bones and teeth.

There are many food items that are rich in vitamin K and is beneficial to the body. It can be consumed in its natural form or may be in food supplements or vitamin K added to it. Food sources rich in vitamin K include: blackstrap molasses, wheat germ, liver, kidney, sweet potatoes, salmon, spinach, carrots, cabbage, parsley, kale, rhubarb, turnips and strawberries. The natural form of vitamin K is generally obtained from green leafy vegetables and fortified with vitamin K. Food supplements of vitamin K are manufactured and popular with people who don't have sufficient vitamin K in their diet.

Another important role of vitamin K is in helping prevent (or lessening the symptoms of) osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. These conditions are characterized by abnormal inflammation of the cartilage and bones. Osteoarthritis is also known to cause joint pains and weakness. Research studies show that there is an effective treatment for osteoarthritis, in which the vitamin K helps in minimizing the damage caused by calcium in the body. For this purpose, it is necessary to eat plenty of dairy products, green leafy vegetables and other food sources rich in vitamin K such as liver, kidney, sweet potatoes and turnip greens. To ensure adequate intake of vitamin K in your daily diet, it is recommended to take supplements containing vitamin K.

As mentioned, green leafy vegetables are rich sources of vitamin K. They are recommended to be part of a diet because they contain a large amount of water and are great sources of fiber. Although many of them taste bland, they are actually very nutritious. Some examples of good green leafy vegetable are spinach, broccoli, turnips and kale. Aside from being food sources rich in vitamin K, spinach is also considered to be an excellent remedy against colds and coughs because it contains a large amount of vitamin C. Another good food sources of vitamin K is whole wheat, although it is difficult to digest. The reason behind this is that wheat has gluten, which is needed for proper digestion.

As you can see, there are plenty of food sources to help you maintain sufficient levels of vitamin K in your body.


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