I know this sounds weird, vitamins as a Mother’s Day present, I must be crazy. Last year, I happened to read an article about a recent study that showed Vitamin K2 had a measurable impact on bone health. A few days later my mother in law was telling me that she was worried about going off Fosamax, a popular drug used to increase bone mass in those who are at risk for osteoporosis. There are many known side effects related to Foxamax and my mother in law was weighing the benefits with the potential risks. I suggested Vitamin K2 based on the article that I had read and when she told her doctor he said it was worth a shot.
Now, a year later, her bone density has actually improved, most likely due to the Vitamin K2 and she couldn’t stop thanking me. I realized that I had actually given her the perfect Mother’s Day gift.
Vitamin K was first discovered in the 1930’s. Most of the attention has been given to Vitamin K1 and its effects on blood clotting. In the last decade researchers found that the Vitamin K2 is vastly different from its counterpart and can offer benefits in bone and heart health. If you are looking to add Vitamin K2 to your diet and not ready for a vitamin supplement, Vitamin K2 can be found in butter, egg yolks, and animal-based foods (especially liver). Eat your leafy greens for lots of Vitamin K1 and pair it with some chopped liver for your Vitamin K2. For vegetarians, look for Natto, common in Japanese food that is a great source of Vitamin K2 and is not as high in calories and fats as animal-based sources.
So with Mother’s Day coming up this weekend, along with flowers and chocolate, you might want to show you care with Vitamin K2.
Click here for the Best Chicken Livers recipes.
sources: Today’s Dietitian
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