Navy beans are natural sources of essential nutrients, including vitamin K. While not a rich source of vitamin K, navy beans are a versatile food that can be enjoyed with a wide range of other nutritious foods. Eating a diversity of nutritious foods daily ensures adequate intake of vitamin K and other vital nutrients.Consult a registered dietitian for a full list of vitamin K rich foods and other guidelines.
Navy Beans Nutrition
One-half cup of raw navy beans provides 2.6 mcg of vitamin K or less than 5 percent of the Recommended Daily Value. A food source that provides less than 5 percent of a vitamin is considered a low food source for that particular vitamin. However, navy beans are significant sources of many vitamins, minerals, fiber and protein. The same serving size provides 23 g of protein and 25 g of dietary fiber. In addition, navy beans provide sources of B vitamins, calcium, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc and other minerals.
Vitamin K Function
Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin necessary for maintaining proper blood clotting for the body. In addition, vitamin K is also needed for bone health and reducing the risk of bone fractures, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center. A vitamin K deficiency is not common because it can be produced by the body in addition to inclusion in various foods. Signs and symptoms associated with a vitamin K deficiency include bruising and excessive bleeding. Individuals taking certain medications such as anticoagulants must monitor their vitamin K intake.
Daily Recommendations
Men require 120 mcg of vitamin K while women require only 90 mcg daily. Pregnant and nursing women also require 90 mcg of vitamin K daily. Children and adolescents require smaller amounts, about 60 to 75 mcg of vitamin K per day. In addition to navy beans, green leafy vegetables and beef liver contain vitamin K.
Diet Considerations
If you're not taking anticoagulant drugs, navy beans can be enjoyed with a variety of green leafy vegetables such as spinach, Brussels sprouts, kale and collard greens to boost your vitamin K intake. Because navy beans are a low source of vitamin K, they typically can be enjoyed in moderate amounts even if you're prescribed warfarin or other anticoagulant drugs, but check with your physician first.
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