7 Essential Vitamins for a Healthy Lifestyle

6. Vitamin K

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Maintenance of strong bones and blood clotting depend on vitamin K. Along with fermented foods like sauerkraut and natto, it's present in leafy green vegetables including kale, spinach, and broccoli. Making sure your diet provides sufficient Vitamin K will assist maintain normal blood clotting and bone density, therefore lowering the risk of osteoporosis and too strong bleeding. A class of fat-soluble vitamins, vitamin K is very essential for the blood clotting mechanism in the body. Vitamin K comes mostly in two forms: vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) and vitamin K2 (menaquinones). Green leafy vegetables are the main source of vitamin K1; vitamin K2 is created by gut-based bacteria and also found in fermented meals. Support of the synthesis of proteins necessary for blood clotting is one of Vitamin K's main purposes. Through their encouragement of blood clot formation, these proteins—known as clotting factors—help to stop bleeding. Additionally helping to control the action of these clotting agents is vitamin K, so guaranteeing a normal functioning of the blood clotting mechanism. Apart from its function in blood clotting, vitamin K is absolutely important for preserving strong bones. It supports the mineralisation of bone, a necessary process for preserving bone density and strength. Additionally important for regulation of osteoclasts, which tear down bone, and osteoblasts, which produce fresh bone, is vitamin K. Vitamin K supports the general health and strength of the bones by preserving a mix between these two cell types. Leafy green vegetables, broccoli, and fermented foods like sauerkraut and natto are among the foods high in vitamin K you should be included into your diet. Although you might also want to take a vitamin K supplement, first you should check with your doctor to be sure you are getting the right dose.