Promotes proper brain function and prevents heart disease; Vitamin K2 is important for building bones and inhibiting calcification of the blood vessel..

Its scientific name is menaquinone but we all know it as vitamin K2, a real elixir of well-being and not just for the bones..
Recent studies have, in fact, shown that this vitamin is also a great ally for female beauty, above all, as regards skin care.

In fact, it slows down the aging process and the onset of wrinkles and, moreover, it exerts a preventive action against varicose veins.

K2: the smart vitamin

Its part of the three main types of vitamin K together with K1 (phylloquinone) and K3 (menadione), a fat-soluble vitamin that can be produced in the intestinal tract in the presence of certain intestinal flora bacteria. It is considered an intelligent vitamin because it can direct calcium into the bones and eliminates it where it is not needed. As for the cardiovascular system, vitamin K2 inhibits the calcification of blood vessels while maintaining elasticity. It is also necessary to promote blood clotting in particular in the case of jaundice; a disorder that causes yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes due to raised levels of bilirubin in the blood.

Did you know that..

Is Vitamin K2 Helpful in Reducing Flow During Menstruation?

Furthermore, various researches have shown that this vitamin is able to decrease and even eliminate menstrual cramps.

Where is it?

Produced by the bacteria of the intestinal flora that give rise to various groups of molecules including the long-chain menaquinones that we find, in considerable quantities, in many fermented foods, in particular in the typical products of the Japanese and Caucasian tradition. Among the foods richest in vitamin K2 there are, in fact, the Japanese natto or nattou a food that is obtained from the fermentation of soy beans with a sticky consistency and a very strong flavor.

Although in terms of taste it is not exactly the best, the Japanese also consume it for breakfast recognizing this dish, rich in proteins, highly beneficial characteristics for health.
Present, above all, in foods of animal origin such as meat, beef liver, cheeses, egg yolks and in mayonnaise.
Its the vitamin that we find in kefir; a preparation of fermented milk, yoghurt rich in live lactic ferments and in various cereals, in particular, in oats.

Did you know that..

Can Vitamin K2 Improve Insulin Sensitivity?

In particular, its intake is useful in people with diabetes. It is not found in industrial foods and, often, its deficiency is found in the presence of restrictive diets.
At the bone level, this vitamin works in synergy with vitamin D3 thanks to a powerful and beneficial activity that makes support for the health of bones, teeth and the cardiovascular system more efficient.
While vitamin D improves bone development, vitamin K2 directs calcium to the skeleton, preventing it from depositing where it is not desired.
It works by activating osteocalcin; a particular protein that stimulates the production of calcium in bones and teeth, reducing the risk of fractures regardless of the levels of bone mineralization.
For these reasons, the combined association of vitamin D and vitamin K produces a decisive improvement in bone density in conditions such as osteopenia or osteoporosis which occur, above all, with the advancement of years and during menopause.
In these situations, vitamin K2 will provide considerable support to the cartilage, joints and spine.

Did you know the properties of Vitamin K2?
Do you know others?

Gayla J. Kirschmann & John D. Kirschmann, Nutrition Almanac pp.99-101