Obscure Vitamin K May Provide Big Health Benefits

More likely than not, you have not heard much about vitamin K. In fact, you may have never heard of it at all. It certainly does not have the high profile of other vitamins. But as more research has been devoted to this nutrient, vitamin K has become a rising star over the last five years.

Vitamin K plays an important role in both blood and bone health by assisting in blood clotting (coagulation). When a blood vessel is damaged, the blood forms clots to prevent blood loss and promote healing. Vitamin K helps develop proteins vital for proper blood clotting. It also assists the protein known as osteocalcin, which is crucial in promoting healthy bone growth, repairing bone fractures and helping prevent osteoporosis.

To get adequate amounts of vitamin K from your diet, you should choose spinach, broccoli, cabbage, lettuce, kale and citrus fruits. Milk and eggs are also a good source of this vitamin. Scientific study indicates that vitamin K is a hardy nutrient, which keeps most of its nutritional value even when heated. When you cook with oil, opt for canola, soybean or olive - all are rich in vitamin K.