Vitamin K2 & Cardiovascular Health

Vitamin K is a fat soluble vitamin (the other fat soluble vitamins are A, D, & E) that plays a variety of roles in our body.

When it comes to the Cardiovascular system, Vitamin K plays a starring role, however many people are lacking this essential nutrient in their diet. 

Vitamin K is actually broken down into two distinct vitamins, K1 and K2. It is the K2 form that plays the major role when we look at the cardiovascular system. The main benefit we see with adequate vitamin K2 intake is helping to keep calcium from settling in blood vessels, which in turn prevents hypertension and calcification. 

Low intake of vitamin K2 can contribute to plaque building in the arteries, hardening of tissues, reduced flexibility, weakened bones, as well as overall stiffness and pain. The latter which can result in decreased mobility, preventing participation in regular exercise, which in turn negatively impacts our cardiovascular system. 

To make sure you're getting adequate Vitamin K2 sources include the following in your regular diet:

• aged cheeses (higher the more the cheese is aged)
• butter from grass-fed cows
• liver
• egg yolks

• natto (a traditional Japanese dish made from fermented soy)

Other than natto (for most of us), these are easily incorporated into our diet! Check out my beef and liver meatball recipe that will be posted later this month. They're delicious sprinkled with aged cheddar or gruyere!