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Vitamin K Supports Cardiovascular FunctionVitamin K is one of the most abundant minerals in our body, third only to phosphorous and calcium. Once it enters the bloodstream, potassium holds either a negative or a positive charge. Most of the Vitamin K in our bodies is present within our cells. Like the other electrolytes (phosphorous and calcium), Vitamin K is needed for neuron firing, sustaining a normal heart rate, maintaining blood pressure and instigating muscular contractions. It manipulates the fluid content within cell bodies, just as sodium controls fluid levels outside the cell bodies. The two elements work in tandem to balance bodily fluids. Vitamin K also helps convert blood glucose to stored energy that can be used by our muscles and liver. Many studies indicate that people who consume sufficient quantities of Vitamin K through diet are less likely to suffer from high blood pressure. Their blood pressure tends to be lower, regardless of whether or not they have a sodium-rich diet. A study was conducted on 54 subjects who were taking medication for high blood pressure. The subjects were divided in two groups. One group followed their standard diet while the other group supplemented their diet with three to six servings of Vitamin K-rich foods everyday. A year later, 81 percent of the subjects that received the additional Vitamin K reduced their dosage of blood pressure medication. Only 29 percent of those on a regular diet were able to do the same. Vitamin K also reduces the risk of stroke and heart disease. A research trial indicated that patients with high blood pressure decreased their stroke risk by 40 percent on taking an additional serving of Vitamin K-rich foods. 12 years into the trial it was found that patients who consumed the lowest amounts of Vitamin K were twice as likely to die of stroke as those who consumed the most. The risk of stroke was five times higher for women with low Vitamin K diets. Vitamin K has many benefits. One of its biggest benefits is that it supports cardiovascular health. Also Read: |