Vitamin K

 Vitamin K Source & Benefit

Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin, which is important for blood clotting and bone health. This vitamin helps the body stop bleeding when injured or cut. Apart from this, it also plays an important role in depositing calcium in the bones and maintaining a healthy heart.

Types of Vitamin K:

1. Vitamin K1 (phylloquinone):

• It is mainly found in green leafy vegetables.

2, Vitamin K2 (Menaquinone):

• It is found in meat, dairy products, and fermented foods.

Benefits of Vitamin K:

1. Blood Clotting:

• This is necessary to stop bleeding in case of injury or cut.
• Due to its deficiency, bleeding does not stop, which can cause serious problems.

2. Strength of bones:

• Helps in storing calcium in bones.
• Reduces the risk of osteoporosis (weakening of bones).

3. Cardiovascular health:

• Prevents heart diseases by preventing calcium deposition in blood vessels.

4. Cancer prevention:

• According to some studies, vitamin K may reduce the risk of cancer, especially liver and prostate cancer.

5. Beneficial for the brain:

• Helps maintain nervous system functions.

Vitamin K deficiency:

1. Excessive bleeding:

• In case of injury or cut, blood flows for a long time.

2. Bruising:

• Even minor injuries on the body cause bruising easily.

3. Bleeding from gums or nose.

4.Excessive bleeding during menstruation.

5.Weakening of bones.

Natural Sources of Vitamin K:

1. Green Leafy Vegetables:

• Spinach, kale, broccoli, cabbage.

2. Other Vegetables:

• Cauliflower, green beans.

3. Fruits:

• Avocado, kiwi.

4. Fermented Foods:

• Natto (fermented soy).

5. Dairy Products and Meat:

• Milk, curd, egg, chicken.