What Is Vitamin K?

Vitamin K, also known as phylloquinone, is found in plants. Once a human digests a vitamin K-rich plant, the body converts the nutrient into vitamin K2. Vitamin K also enables the body to cultivate the protein prothrombin. Prothrombin is important for blood clotting and bone health. The vitamin also helps keep blood pressure down.

What foods have vitamin K?

Vitamin K is present in many leafy vegetables, meat, and dairy products. A balanced diet should include all these foods, especially leafy vegetables. Adding more greens to a daily diet will increase the body’s vitamin K absorption rate and improve a person’s overall health. What foods have vitamin K?

1. Spinach

Spinach is sometimes called a superfood. This leafy vegetable is packed with tons of nutrients like iron and vitamin K. Spinach can be eaten raw or cooked and still maintains nutrient levels when cooked.

2. Kale

Just a half a cup of cooked kale is enough to give patients the recommended daily allotment of vitamin K. Kale also has phytonutrients which are vital to brain health.

3. Chicken

Chicken is known as a great source of protein, but the poultry is also a great way to get vitamin K. A small serving size of just 3 ounces is all patients need to get 51 micrograms of vitamin K.

4. Kiwi

Kiwi is actually a berry but is grouped together with other fruits. Despite the fruit’s small size and sweet texture, kiwi is packed with vitamin K.

5. Broccoli

Anyone looking for a vegetable filled with vitamin K should look no further than broccoli. A half a cup of broccoli provides up to 92% of the daily recommended amount of vitamin K.

Supplements may be helpful

These 5 foods are just the tip of the iceberg when finding sources of vitamin K. Avocado, collard greens, pork chops, and soybean oil all have loads of vitamin K. For people that have trouble getting vitamin K from food, supplements like this one are available for everyday use. For more information about vitamin K and maintaining a balanced diet, talk to a healthcare provider.