Health Benefits Of Vitamin K

It is a well known fact that the body requires thirteen different vitamins, in order to function properly. One of the essential vitamins required by the human body is Vitamin K, since it is vital for the appropriate formation of blood clots in the body. There are several Vitamin K benefits, one of which is the production of a compound known as prothrombin. This compound checks and prevents instances of bleeding and hemorrhaging in the body. Another one of the essential Vitamin K benefits is that it can help trigger off the healing process after an injury, cut, scrape or wound, since it stems the bleeding.

Vitamin K is important for the good health of the bones and capillaries too.

Fortunately, there are several foods that contain Vitamin K. Hence, a person can enjoy all the Vitamin K benefits, just by following a healthy and nutritious diet. Some of the foods that are high in Vitamin K are beef, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, eggs, green tea, lettuce, liver, soybean, spinach, strawberries, wheat bran and wheat germ. In case a person suffers from the deficiency of Vitamin K even after following a healthy diet, then it is important to check with a doctor and rule out the possibilities of underlying conditions, which could be interfering with the absorption of Vitamin K.

Most health experts advise people to ensure that they consume adequate amounts of Vitamin K on a daily basis. Some of the most common Vitamin K benefits include:

Enhancing the ability of the bones to absorb calcium, by increasing the strength in them.
Reducing the possibilities of several bone disorders and conditions, including fractures and osteoporosis.
Prevention of the hardening in the arteries
Decreasing the risks of heart failure as well as coronary heart diseases in a person
Improving the symptoms caused by conditions such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease and celiac disease
Helping in the treatment of cancer, by slowing down the growth of tumors.

Vitamin K benefits for skin

There are several commercial creams and skin products that contain Vitamin K. This is because Vitamin K can heal many skin problems and promote good skin health. Most dermatologists recommend creams and lotions with Vitamin K to treat skin conditions such as bruises, skin inflammation, spider veins, scars, burns as well as skin swelling. The use of Vitamin K has also been beneficial in eliminating dark circles and puffiness under the eyes.

Side Effects Of Vitamin K

Although there are several foods sources of Vitamin K, there are some people who use Vitamin K supplements. While the consumption of Vitamin K rich foods does not really have any adverse or harmful effects, the use of Vitamin K supplements could. Ingesting a large amount of Vitamin K could interfere with certain medication, like oral anticoagulants. Therefore, it is absolutely essential to check with a doctor, for the daily recommended doses, before adding any amounts of Vitamin K supplements or even foods to a diet.

There is a lot of information easily available through various resources on Vitamin K benefits and side effects. However, it is best to check with a doctor for additional information.

Submitted on January 16, 2014