Vitamin KVitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays an important role in our body. It is best known as the clotting vitamin, because without it the amount of blood clotting proteins decreases and bleeding time increases.
 Researchers are discovering more and more potential functions for Vitamin K. Some studies indicate that it helps in maintaining strong bones by promoting Calcium bonding. Vitamin K is used to activate osteocalcin, the major noncollagen protein in bone. Activated osteocalcin anchors Calcium molecules inside of the bone. Vitamin K also prevents the formation of osteoclasts, the cells that break down bones.Interesting facts
Vitamin K and MenopauseVitamin K levels appear to decrease with age while the risk of fracture increases. At menopause, because of the hormonal imbalance, the bone loss increases dramatically. Therefore, it is very important to include foods containing Vitamin K in our diet, especially leafy green vegetables.In addition to supplying Vitamin K, these foods are rich sources of other nutrients important for bone health: Calcium and Boron. That makes leafy greens extremely important for women at menopause, especially those of us who do not consume dairy products, since dairy products are a major contributor of both Calcium and Boron. Food Sources of Vitamin K Leafy green vegetables such as lettuce, spinach, Swiss chard, cabbage, kale, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts; cereals; soybeans; some fruits such as avocado and kiwifruit.Note: Two tablespoons of parsley contain 153% of the recommended daily amount of vitamin K! I know it is very hard to follow an ideal diet, perfectly balanced. Sometimes you don't feel like eating salads. The solutions to get the greens in your daily diet is to add a shake. I found some vegetarian dietary supplements with high antioxidant capacity; powders that you can mix with juice or plain water. I really enjoy these shakes, you can be very creative an use different juices or even add fruits, try it!  Don't forget! Like minerals, excess vitamins can produce toxic effects. The toxic ranges do not apply to each individual. Dosage must be prescribed individually, because some people may be able to absorb more than others.Ask your doctor before taking any supplements.
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