Vitamin K is essential to your body, as it contributes to bone formation and the processes of both blood coagulation and anticoagulation. It treats and prevents vitamin K deficiency, which can cause bleeding disorders. Green leafy vegetables are loaded with vitamin K and other minerals. In the United States, spinach is probably the best-known source of vitamin K, but other vegetables have even higher amounts.
Amaranth
Dating back to the pre-Columbian Aztec civilization, this ornamental, leafy vegetable plant and its grain have been eaten for centuries all over the world. This ancient plant leads the pack in terms of vitamin K content, with 9,914 micrograms per 200-calorie serving of raw leaves. The green-leaved varieties are popular in Indian cuisine; in China, the red-leaved variety is preferred.
Parsley
Parsley is the world's most popular herb, according to WHFoods.com. Parsley is related to celery; in Greek, the word "parsley"means "rock celery." This slightly bitter herb has the second-highest vitamin K content, at 9,113 micrograms per 200 calorie raw serving. A type 7.5 gram or 2 tbsp. serving of parsley provides 153 percent of the recommended daily value of vitamin K. So, the next time you see it on your dinner plate, eat it!
Greens
Swiss chard, kale, mustard and collard greens are often collectively referred to as "greens." Raw Swiss chard is the third-highest in vitamin K content, with 8,738 micrograms per 200-calorie serving. Kale, commonly used as a decoration on salad bars, contains 5,837 micrograms per 200-calorie serving. Enjoy these hearty greens either sauteed or the traditional Southern way: boiled with a smoked meat. Collard and mustard greens fall below Swiss chard and kale, but still contain a high level of vitamin K.
Watercress
Known since about 400 B.C., watercress looks like a common pond plant. True watercress grows in water or in close proximity to it, not on land, according to Watercress.co.uk. Watercress contains 4,545 micrograms of vitamin K per 200-calorie serving. Toss some on your next salad to boost its nutritional value, or try a traditional watercress soup.
Spinach
This dark green leafy vegetable comes in right below watercress, with 4,292 micrograms of vitamin K per 200 calorie serving. Enjoy spinach raw or cooked, as its vitamin K content unaffected by heat, according Beyond Vegetarianism. Keep in mind that green leafy vegetables like spinach are high in fiber and can be difficult for some to digest, especially in their raw forms.
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