Heart diseases have become increasingly common in recent years due to a combination of poor diet, unhealthy lifestyle choices, and environmental factors.
Experts say that eating the right foods can significantly improve heart health and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Vitamin K’s Role in Cardiovascular Health
Researchers have found that vitamin K plays a vital role in regulating calcium in the body, which helps maintain healthy blood vessels and reduces the risk of arterial stiffness — a major contributor to cardiovascular disease.
Vitamin K also prevents mineralisation, a process where minerals build up in the arteries, making it easier for the heart to pump blood throughout the body. This process naturally increases with age and is a major risk factor for heart disease. By reducing arterial mineralisation, vitamin K helps lower blood pressure and improve blood circulation.
Studies further indicate that sufficient vitamin K intake can lower the risk of stroke.
A study published in the journal Circulation analysed the dietary habits of thousands of adults. It found that participants with higher vitamin K intake had a significantly lower risk of developing coronary heart disease.
Researchers concluded that individuals consuming adequate vitamin K were far less likely to suffer from heart problems than those with low intake levels.
Kale, spinach, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts are among the richest sources of vitamin K. Fermented foods such as natto, along with fish, meat, dairy products, and eggs, also contribute to daily intake.
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), adults should consume about 70–90 micrograms of vitamin K daily, depending on age and gender, to reap its cardiovascular benefits.
Apart from heart health, vitamin K aids in the production of proteins essential for blood clotting, supports bone strength, and may reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
Some studies also suggest that maintaining adequate vitamin K levels may improve cognitive function and memory, especially in older adults.
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