Foods With Vitamin K2
Vitamin K2 is an important nutrient in the body that protects bones from osteoporosis. Vitamin K2 can also help control coronary atherosclerotic plaque.
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Description
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As a group, Vitamin K allows blood to clot, protects bones from osteoporosis and prevents oxidative cellular damage. Vitamin K2, specifically, protects against osteoporosis, pathological calcification and cardiovascular blockages by depositing calcium in the bones and blood and preventing calcium from being deposited in the vessels which causes calcification, a risk for coronary artery disease.
Vitamins K1 vs. K2
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Vitamin K1 allows the blood to clot and has anti-inflammatory effects. Vitamin K1 is also found in many foods. Vitamin K2, however, is less common in foods, but protects bone mass and is more suitable for protecting bones from osteoporosis.
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Vegetable Sources of K2
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Fermented foods such as fermented soy beans, are excellent sources for vitamin K2. Natto, a by-product of fermented soy beans eaten in Japan, is the best source of vitamin K2. Vitamin K2 may also be consumed as a vitamin supplement.
Animal Sources of K2
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Organ meats such as liver, eggs, cheeses, fermented cheeses and curd are good sources of vitamin K2.
Other Considerations
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Vegetables that are high in vitamin K, such as green peas, can also be a good source of vitamin K2. For example, green peas are a good source of vitamin K, some of which is converted into K2 by the body. Other excellent sources of vitamin K include spinach, Swiss chard, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, kale, asparagus, mustard greens, carrots and green beans. Similarly, some soy products contain a bacteria that can convert vitamin K1 into vitamin K2.
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