VIVA Lifestyle – Condition heart has become very common in recent times. Disease cardiovascular (CVDs) are the leading cause of death globally, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Global health agency estimates show 17.9 million people died from CVD in 2019, representing 32% of all global deaths. Of these deaths, 85% were caused by heart attacks and stroke.
In addition, with the increasing number of young people experiencing cardiovascular problems such as heart attacks, heart failure and heart attacks, it is becoming increasingly important to exercise caution and caution in improving our heart health.
Surprisingly, an adequate intake of one vitamin can help reduce the risk of heart disease is vitamin Kas quoted from Times of India.
The role of vitamin K
Vitamin K is an essential nutrient required for blood clotting, wound healing and bone health. It comes in two types namely vitamin K, also known as phylloquinone, and vitamin K2 or menaquinone. These two forms of vitamin K produce proteins involved in the coagulation of blood clots.
According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, vitamin K refers to a group of fat-soluble compounds involved in coagulation, bone development, and cardiovascular health.
Further, it states, “Vitamin K deficiency can lead to significant bleeding, poor bone development, osteoporosis, and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.”
Reduce the risk of heart disease
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A study conducted by researchers from New Edith Cowan University (ECU) found that people who eat a diet rich in vitamin K have a 34% lower risk of developing atherosclerosis-related cardiovascular disease – a condition that affects the heart and blood vessels.
The study’s senior author Dr Nicola Bondonno said the findings suggest that consuming more vitamin K may be important for protection against atherosclerosis and subsequent cardiovascular disease.
The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) recommends 1 microgram of vitamin K a day for every kilogram of body weight for adults.
Understanding the risk factors for heart disease
According to the WHO, an unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, harmful tobacco use and alcohol use are certain behavioral risk factors for heart disease and stroke.
In addition, the effects of behavioral risk factors can appear in individuals such as increased blood pressure, increased blood glucose, increased blood lipids, and overweight and obesity.
“This intermediate risk factor can be measured in primary care facilities and indicates an increased risk of heart disease, heart attack, stroke, heart failure and other complications,” the global health agency said.
Furthermore, WHO recommends: “Quitting tobacco use, reducing salt in the diet, eating more fruits and vegetables, regular physical activity and avoiding harmful use of alcohol to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.”
Symptoms of vitamin K deficiency
There are a wide variety of symptoms of vitamin K deficiency, of which excessive bleeding is the most common.
Other symptoms include:
– Frequent and easy bruising
– Small blood clots under the nails
– Bleeding in the mucous membranes that line areas of the body
– Dark black stools, sometimes accompanied by blood
Best source of vitamin K
The NHS recommends getting most of your vitamin K from eating a balanced diet. Foods such as green leafy vegetables, including spinach, kale, lettuce, and broccoli, vegetable oils, fruits such as blueberries and figs, eggs, cheese, meats including liver, chickpeas, soybeans, and green tea are some of the best sources of vitamin K.
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