Vitamin K is an essential nutrient in maintaining bone health, calcium metabolism, heart health, and preventing blood clots. Vitamin K1 and Vitamin K2 are the two main forms of vitamin K. Studies have revealed that Vitamin K2 has more health benefits than Vitamin K1. And the deficiency of vitamin K2 leads to osteoporosis, inflammation, heart diseases, and various other ailments.
While Vitamin K2 is found in preserved foods and animal foods, your body may still be unable to get adequate nutrients from these foods. When you buy vitaminK2 supplements, you have a better idea of the intake and prevent deficiency risks.
Following is a complete list of how vitamin K2 intake can improve your overall health and wellbeing.
Boost skin health
Elastin and collagen are two primary components that provide elasticity and firmness to the skin. With age, elastin and collagen reduce, affecting the skin’s appearance. Further, elastin calcifies when there is a lack of matrix-GLA protein, which is activated by vitamin K2.
You could be doing a lot of good to your skin if you plan to buy vitaminK2 supplements. With the right amount of vitamin K2 intake, the skin cells release matrix-GLA protein to prevent elastin’s calcification and help you prevent wrinkles and signs of ageing.
Prevent varicose veins
Varicose veins result due to the calcification of blood vessels. The activation of matrix-GLA protein mops up calcium in blood vessels which has several cardiovascular benefits. And vitamin K2 intake causes carboxylation of matrix-GLA protein, inhibiting the development of varicose veins.
Blood sugar regulation
Osteocalcin is a Vitamin K-regulated protein that helps the body use insulin. Activated proteins increase insulin sensitivity which is the core problem for type-II diabetes. When you use vitamin K2 supplements, glucose metabolism is stimulated, and uOC is induced, which are associated with decreasing glucose levels and reducing the risk of diabetes.
Improved stamina
Vitamin K2 is crucial in energy metabolism in tissues with high energy requirements like the heart and the skeletal muscle. Bones release osteocalcin at the time of workouts that send out messages to help muscles meet the need for increased energy demands. Vitamin K2 increases the efficiency of your workout regime by allowing the skeletal muscle to use the energy at that time and improve your overall performance.
PCOS treatment and fertility
PCOS in women is caused due to overproduction of steroids like DHEA sulphate and testosterone. The use of vitamin K supplements and vitamin D has shown effectiveness in reducing free testosterone and DHEA sulphate levels. Also, the role of Vitamin K2 in improving insulin metabolism can be crucial if you’re trying to conceive or for embryo development.
Improved bone mineral density
Osteocalcin requires vitamin K2 to bind calcium and get fully activated. When you buy vitaminK2 supplements, you take a step forward to maintain and improve your bone mineral density. When you start taking the supplements early on, you can improve bone strength and prevent bone fracture. It may also help you alleviate bone pain and reduce bone inflammation, which is common in postmenopausal women.
Cancer prevention
Prostate calcification is a major reason behind cause of prostate cancer. The use of vitamin K2 has been cited to reduce the risks of prostate cancer. Further, vitamin K2 supplementation effectively reduces recurrence and delays the progression of liver cancer.
Vitamin K2 deficiency may lead to the non-activation of matrix-GLA protein leading to various health complications. So, ensure you include your supplement with your diet to prevent health complications and lead a happier and healthier life.
Author: Alison Lurie