Vitamin K and benefits of consuming it

The body needs every Vitamin and mineral in adequate amounts to work efficiently. Deficiency of any compound can lead to several health complications, both physical and mental.

Vitamin K, also referred to as a group of fat-soluble vitamins, has a vital role in blood clotting, bone metabolism, and regulating blood calcium levels. According to the medical news today website, intake of  Vitamin K is purposely dependent on an individual’s age and gender.

The human body requires Vitamin K to make prothrombin. It is important in blood clotting and bone metabolism. Experts recommend not to  consume Vitamin K additionally who are already on blood-thinning medications such as warfarin, or Coumadin.

The National Institute of Health Office of Dietary Supplements explains deficiency of Vitamin K is very rare. Although in some cases its deficiency can end up in bleeding and haemorrhage. The deficiency could also reduce bone mineralization and contribute to osteoporosis.

Some of the best sources of Vitamin K are parsley, raw spinach, soybean oil, grapes, a hard-boiled egg.

When you start consuming the proper amount of Vitamin K, you can check  it through medically taken blood samples. One can note the following shared  benefits of intaking vitamin K-

Cognitive Health: According to Pubmed, older adults with a higher amount of Vitamin K in their blood can maintain a good episodic memory. In one study, healthy individuals over the age of 70 years  with the highest blood levels of vitamin K1 had the highest verbal episodic memory performance.

Heart Health: Consuming the required amount of Vitamin K helps maintain low blood pressure by preventing the process of  mineralization. In such a process minerals build up in the arteries which hinders the function of the heart pumping blood freely through  the body. Basically, mineralisation happens with age which is one of the major causes of heart disease. Medical News Today says adequate Vitamin K consumption also reduces the risk of strokes.

Bone Health: Many studies reveal that Vitamin K improves bone density and  reduces the risk of bone fracture. Although more study is required to claim the same.

Helps in Clotting: Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin that produces proteins for healthy bones and normal blood clotting. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, vitamin K helps produce four of the 13 proteins needed for blood clotting. It helps to heal the wound faster.