Vitamin K is an essential nutrient, especially for pregnant women. It exists in three forms:
Vitamin K1 (phylloquinone or phytonactone)
Vitamin K2 (a family of substances called menoquinones)
Vitamin K3 (menadione)
Vitamin K1 and K2 occur naturally whereas Vitamin K3 is synthetic, a man-made substance and thus should be avoided.
Vitamin K is necessary for the production of prothrombin, which is necessary for blood clotting. Its other notable functions are that of liver function, promoting healthy liver function (Bile salts are necessary for adequate absorption of this vitamin), arrest of internal bleeding, increases resistance to infection (especially in small children); bone formation and repair, synthesis of osteocalcin (the protein in bone tissue which calcium crystallizes), prevention of osteoporosis, promotes longevity, and is essential for the conversion of glucose into glycogen (which is stored in the liver).
Vitamin K is very important for optimal intestinal health and well-being. Normally, the bacterial flora of the intestines produces adequate amounts of Vitamin K from food. What concerned vegans and/or raw foodists should know that is that the body's majority supply of this essential nutrient is synthesized by the friendly or beneficial bacteria normally present in a clean and healthy intestinal tract.
According to James F. Balch, M.D., "Vitamin K may ... help prevent cancers that target the inner linings of the organs."
Vitamin K is naturally occurring in foods, plant-based foods such as: asparagus, broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower.
It can also be found in wheat, oatmeal, rye, soybeans, and safflower oil.
NOTE: If you consume soybeans, you should only consume organic, non-GMO soybeans.
This nutrient (Vitamin K) can basically be found in green leafy or cruciferous plants (vegetables). Therefore, vegans and raw foodists who eat lots of green leafy vegetables (especially as raw foods) should not worry themselves about Vitamin K deficiency or being deficient in the vitamin.
Actually, vegans and raw foodists actually have more Vitamin K in their bodies than the average meat-eating individual.
IMPORTANT NOTE: "Antibiotics increase the need for dietary or supplemental Vitamin K. Because Vitamin K is synthesized by bacteria in the intestines, taking antibiotics - which kill the bacteria, interferes with this process. Antibiotics also interfere with the absorption of Vitamin K." - James F. Balch, M.D.
Herbal sources of Vitamin K include: Alfalfa, Watercress, Green Tea, Nettle, Kelp, Parsley, Spinach, Blue-Green algae, Oatstraw, Gotu Kola, Cornsilk, Spirulina, and Slippery Elm Bark.
Dherbs.com products and compounds that contain organic Vitamin K (K1 & K2) include: Vitamin K Formula,
Electric Greens Cell Food,
Iodine Phosphate,
Colon Formula, and
Thyroid Formula
I implore all pregnant women to take an organic source of Vitamin K (e.g. Dherbs.com Vitamin K) throughout their pregnancy, but especially so during the first trimester for purposes of preventing spontaneous abortion or miscarriage (which is more likely to occur during the first trimester).
Most Vitamin K supplements on the market or sold in supermarkets, pharmacies, and health food stores are SYNTHETIC and thus TOXIC and should be avoided.
Your Vitamin K should list the names of fruits and/or plants on the list of ingredients as the source of the supplement.
Thank you for reading!
This article is compliments of Dherbs.com
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