1. Vitamin K has More Than Meets the eye
Danish researcher Henrik Dam discovered Vitamin K (also called menadione) in 1929. Dam found that Vitamin K played an integral part in the formation on blood clotting (coagulation). Because of this, Dam called the new mineral Vitamin K, for koagulation. For a long time, people thought Vitamin K's only role was in blood clotting. Today, experts know it keeps bones strong, hearts healthy and may even help prevent cancer.
2. Popeye Knew the Importance of Vitamin K
Popeye wasn't eating all that spinach for nothing. He knew that it was one of the highest sources of Vitamin K available. In fact, one cup of raw spinach has 145 mcg of Vitamin K, more than the daily recommendations for both men and women. Popeye could have boosted his health even more by switching to kale, which packs a whopping 531 mcg per half cup. If spinach and kale aren't on your favorite foods list, try getting your Vitamin K though other leafy greens and vegetables, such as asparagus or arugula. Olive oil and soybean oil are also a good source of Vitamin K.
3. Stay Strong With Vitamin K
Vitamin K increases the production of bone building cells, which keep bones healthy and strong. This is especially important for women who are going through menopause. Vitamin K supplements help treat osteoporosis and other bone weakening diseases. The daily recommendation for women is 90 mcg and 120 mcg for men. Older people may need to take more if advised by their doctor.
4. Maintain a Healthy Heart
The arteries of the heart are flexible and free flowing, allowing blood to pump in and out of the heart with little effort. When these arteries clog with fatty deposits from cholesterol or harden due to calcium deposits, the heart has to work much harder, sometimes leading to heart attacks and strokes. Vitamin K helps keep the arteries flexible by filtering out calcium floating in the blood.
5. Vitamin K and Certain Medications Don't mix
Getting too much Vitamin K can lead to adverse health conditions, for some people. Anyone taking blood thinners (anticoagulant medicine) should discuss the appropriate Vitamin K intake with a doctor, as it might interfere with the medication. Pregnant women should also stay away from supplements (not all foods with Vitamin K) because it can cause jaundice in newborns. Before taking any Vitamin K supplements or eating excessive amount of foods with Vitamin K, be sure to discuss it with your doctor.
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