Did you know that vitamin K2 can prevent calcium buildup in your arteries? It’s an important nutrient for our cardiovascular system. I’ll explain how it works, and then we’ll discuss some excellent sources of this super vitamin! Ready?
First, there are two main types of vitamin K:
- Vitamin K1 is found in green leafy vegetables such as spinach and plays an important role in the blood clotting process.
- Vitamin K2, found primarily in animal and fermented foods, is not widely known, but it can prevent calcium buildup in the arteries and therefore prevent blockages, contributing to heart health!
Let me point out some popular foods that contain vitamin K2.
On closer inspection, there’s no substitute for a healthy diet. Supplements are unnecessary!
Natto is a Japanese dish made from fermented soybeans. It’s rich in vitamin K2. Other good foods rich in vitamin K2 include beef liver, grass-fed butter, dark meats like goose legs, sauerkraut, some cheeses, and egg yolks—especially from free-range hens.
Calcium can be obtained from many different sources…
such as dark green leafy vegetables and almonds. You don’t need to take supplements unless your doctor recommends it.
Vitamin D is important…
The best way to get vitamin D is from the sun. However, sunlight can be dangerous if you’re exposed to too much ultraviolet radiation or don’t spend enough time outdoors. That’s why many people suffer from vitamin D deficiency.
Without vitamin D, our bones can’t absorb the calcium they need to stay healthy. But it gets even worse! If calcium accumulates in blood vessels or the heart and prevents the blood from delivering oxygen and nutrients to cells and tissues, it can lead to a stroke if the blockage is in the brain, or a heart attack if the blockage is in the heart.
Vitamin K2 reduces the amount of calcium that enters blood vessels and helps strengthen bones, which may prevent osteoporosis.
If you want to take a vitamin K2 supplement, here’s what you need to know.
There are two types of vitamin K2 supplements: MK4 and MK7. MK4 has a shorter half-life than MK7, meaning it doesn’t stay in the body as long as MK7. Furthermore, MK4 enters the body more quickly but doesn’t remain active for as long.
MK7 can be taken once daily. The supplement label may recommend 90 to 100 micrograms, with up to 200 micrograms recommended if needed. Taking MK7 with vitamin D is optional, though recommended, as vitamin D plays a crucial role in many chemical transformations in the body. When choosing a form of vitamin D, opt for D3 over D2, as it will be the most bioavailable and provide optimal results.
