Given a health awakening last year I learned about vitamin K and the important rule it plays in our bodies and the maintaining of some pretty important functions. I should have learned this 6 years ago when I broke my hip. We have to be awakened more than once I guess. If you have noticed that your bruising easily or bleeding an unusual amount from just a scratch or minor wound it may just be your vitamin K is low. I realize other factors also cause bruising easily and bleeding but today were talking Vitamin K. Vitamin K is necessary for proper blood coagulation and clotting of the blood. It is a fat soluble vitamin stored in the liver and to often ignored. Not just for physical wounds on the outside but also internal. Like your cardiovascular system. Vitamin K keeps the blood flowing and prevents blocking of blood vessels. I am sure you've heard of at least one person that "threw a clot" "had a clot" A blood clot was the cause of there death. Etc. Vitamin K, in all forms, is important in maintaining bone health, as it helps bind calcium to bones. Vitamin K-2 may be particularly important because it is used preferentially by the body to deposit calcium in the teeth and bones, while K-1 is primarily used for blood clotting. So if your gums are bleeding, have an unusually heavy menstrual flow.. More signs your K may be low. A little more fact.. Brain Function, the myelin sheath, or the outer wrapping around a nerve, needs sphingolipids (a crucial fat) to form properly. Vitamin K is known to be essential for the synthesis of the sphingolipids, and therefore proper brain and nervous function. Antioxidant Though vitamin K has not been shown to be an antioxidant in the same sense as vitamin C and E, the basic forms of vitamin K, including phylloquinones and menaquinones, have been shown to protect cells from oxidative stress, Anti-Inflammatory Healthy vitamin K levels have been shown to significantly lower the release of the glycoprotein interleukin-6, a marker of inflammation within the body.
Where to get your Vitamin K? Good News! I am providing a list.
Vitamin K Foods
Kale, Collards, Spinach, Turnip greens, Beet greens, Mustard greens, Endive, Lettuces, Parsley, Dandelion, Brussel Sprouts, Broccoli, Asparagus, Okra, Cucumber, Cabbage, Peas, Celery, Rhubarb, Sauerkraut, Onions, Scallions, Ramps, Leeks, Basil, Fennel, Chili Powder, Hot Spices, Pickles, Soy Beans, Olive oil, Dried Prunes, and Blueberries, pears, peaches, figs. I made homemade Vitamin K ! Healthy and natural and organic! I bought organic spinach, dehydrated it, spun it around in my ninja and filled empty capsules I previously saved from supplements I use as powder. Score! Win Win!