People who take the anticoagulant or blood-thinning medication warfarin, also called Coumadin, must follow a consistent vitamin K diet. You shouldn't drastically change your intake of vitamin K-rich foods, as this could alter the effectiveness of the medication. While you are taking warfarin, you can still eat foods that contain vitamin K, but often you will be asked to limit very high vitamin K foods. Leafy green vegetables tend to be higher in vitamin K, while other vegetables contain only small amounts of vitamin K.
Vitamin K Requirements
The daily requirement for vitamin K for adults is 120 mcg for men and 90 mcg for women. Vitamin K is vital for blood clotting and may also play a role in bone health. According to the Linus Pauling Institute, people taking warfarin should aim to meet their daily requirement for vitamin K without having large fluctuations in vitamin K intake. This means that avoiding vitamin K altogether is not a good idea, since it does have a vital role to play in the body.
Tomatoes and Peppers
Tomatoes and peppers contain relatively low levels of vitamin K. One whole tomato has 9.7 mcg, while 1 cup of red pepper has 7.3 mcg of vitamin K. Use tomatoes and peppers together in salads, pasta dishes, salsa or on sandwiches or burgers.
Root Vegetables
Root vegetables like carrots, potatoes and sweet potatoes are low in vitamin K, as well. One carrot has only 9.5 mcg of vitamin K. One cup of potatoes and sweet potatoes has 5.8 mcg and 5.6 mcg, respectively. Roast potatoes and carrots with olive oil and herbs for a delicious side dish. Raw carrots are a very healthy snack or accompaniment to lunch.
Squash
Both winter and summer squash provide only low levels of vitamin K. One cup of winter squash has 9 mcg, while one cup of summer squash has 6.3 mcg of vitamin K. Roast winter squash, and serve it alongside meat or beans or add to pasta. Add summer squash to omelets or pasta dishes, or make zucchini fritters.
Other Vegetables
Additional beneficial vegetables that are low in vitamin K include cucumbers with only 8.6 mcg and cauliflower, three florets of which have only 7.5 mcg of vitamin K. Cucumbers are excellent in salads, or you can add cucumber slices to water to make a refreshing drink. Roast or saute cauliflower, or use it raw in salads or with dip.
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