The Rotterdam study found that consuming 40 mcg of Vitamin K2 daily, reduced one’s chance of heart disease and stroke by 50%. Another study, performed on over 16,000 people, found that for every 10 mcg of Vitamin K2 consumed, one’s chance of acquiring cardiovascular disease dropped by 9%. In today’s video, Dr. Josh Axe discusses the benefits of vitamin K-2.
Food Sources of Vitamin K2
Organic Butter
Butter is certainly not the enemy we’ve been brought up to believe it is, in fact, it’s a rich source of brain-loving satiating and natural fats, Vitamins A and D, and of course vitamin K2 – containing 14.5mcg of K2 per 100g serve. As we should be using butter in small quantities, it admittedly isn’t a huge amount but can contribute to a regular intake of K2 in combination with other dietary sources.
Cheese
A terrific source of Vitamin K2! The lactic acid present in cultured cheeses increases the amounts of bacteria-derived K2. So it’s important to choose ‘proper’ cheeses – not pre-packaged sliced for your cheese on toast. Although all cheeses contain a significant amount of the vitamin. Gouda clocks in an average of 50mcg of menaquinone-7 per 100g – the most active bone-building form of K2!
Grass-Fed Beef
Animal’s grazing on lush green grass are able to convert the K1 present into K. Something our gut bacteria are relatively inefficient at doing. So eating grass-fed meat on a regular basis is a great way to get 4.5mcg per 100g of K2 – plus it tastes so much better and has higher amounts of Omega-3 than grain-fed meat.
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Learn MoreEgg Yolks
It is ironic that eggs were once demonized as one of the main foods to avoid in a ‘heart healthy’ diet. Pasture-raised eggs are a rich source of Vitamin K2 with around 32.1mcg per yolk. This, of course, contributes to heart health via calcium modulation mechanisms.
Fermented Foods
Although Natto is by far the richest food source of Vitamin K2, other fermented foods may also contain small amounts. However, the measurement of K2 in fermented products such as sauerkraut, kefir, and range of dairy tend to vary widely. This is due to the specificity of the bacteria used in the fermentation process. Although it’s a bit of a grey area, you are still reaping the rewards of healthy probiotic intake whether it contains large amounts of K2 or not.
High in protein, healthy fats, and good bacteria, these high Vitamin K2 foods can indeed be part of a healthy diet. This along with the nutrient dense greens containing its sister nutrient K1. Supplementing with additional Vitamin K2 may be required to meet adequate needs when dietary intake is low or digestive function impaired. But remember to consider any medications you may be taken before embarking on any dietary change or new supplement regime in relation to Vitamin K. Also consult your health practitioner if unsure.
Comments
6 Replies to “Vitamin K-2 For A Healthy Heart”
I would like to know if the caplet K2 is a blood thinning agent or not. thank you.
Dear lois, Vitamin K (both K1 and K2) can interfere with blood thinning medications like Warfarin and Coumadin. If you’ve been prescribed these drugs and you are also taking Vitamin K1 and/or K2, be sure to talk to your doctor.
Please clarify !
Are you referring to vitamin K2 or K3 ?
Thank you,
Hi Holly, That would be vitamin K2 as written in the article and the video from Dr. Berg. Kindest Regards,
Eli,Content Manager. RESPeRATE.
How many tablespoons in 100 grams of organic butter?
Hi Bill, 7.1 tablespoons. Eli