Why Vitamin K2 Is Missing from Your Diet and How It Can Save Your Heart
Introduction
Did you know that problems like high cholesterol, clogged arteries, and high blood pressure could be signs that your heart is at risk? These health issues are increasingly common in modern society and are often linked to cardiovascular diseases. Factors such as poor diets, lack of physical activity, and stress are known to contribute to these problems. However, one aspect that is rarely discussed but crucial for heart health is the diet of farm animals.
In this article, we will explore how animal feeding can affect our cardiovascular health and how vitamin K2 might be the key to protecting your heart.
How Animal Feeding Impacts Cardiovascular Health
The Change in Animal Diets
Over the years, the way farm animals are fed has changed significantly. In the past, animals were fed green pastures rich in chlorophyll. Today, they are given processed feed, which decreases the levels of vitamin K2 in their meats. This change may be directly linked to the rise of heart disease in modern society.
The Crucial Role of Vitamin K2
Recent studies have shown that vitamin K2 is essential for the proper functioning of the cardiovascular system. In the past, the meats consumed were naturally rich in this vitamin due to the animals’ diet based on green pastures. Today, due to industrialized feeding, many animal products have low levels of vitamin K2, which negatively affects our health.
The Relationship Between Chlorophyll, Vitamin K2, and Cardiovascular Health
How Chlorophyll Contributes to Vitamin K2 Production
Chlorophyll is the green pigment in plants that enables them to perform photosynthesis. When animals feed on pastures rich in chlorophyll, they absorb essential nutrients that help produce vitamin K2. In the old days, animals that fed on natural pastures produced higher levels of vitamin K2, which was essential for cardiovascular health and helped prevent arterial calcification.
Why We Cannot Produce Vitamin K2 from Chlorophyll
Unlike animals, humans do not have the biological ability to convert chlorophyll into vitamin K2. Although we can consume chlorophyll-rich vegetables, our bodies cannot perform this conversion. Therefore, we need animal sources or fermented foods like natto to obtain vitamin K2.
Changes in Poultry Feeding and Its Effects on Vitamin K2
Modern Poultry Feeding
In the past, poultry such as chickens and hens fed on pastures and scratched the soil rich in chlorophyll, which allowed them to accumulate vitamin K2 in their bodies. However, the food industry now feeds these birds processed feed, which lacks the nutrients necessary for vitamin K2 production. As a result, both the meat and eggs of industrially raised poultry have very low levels of this vitamin.
The Solution: Raising Poultry Naturally
To ensure meat and eggs rich in vitamin K2, the solution is to raise poultry in a more natural way, allowing them to scratch the ground and feed on pasture. Otherwise, the traditional sources of vitamin K2 in these foods are becoming scarce.
How to Ensure Vitamin K2 in Your Diet
Vitamin K2 Supplementation
The good news is that, with advances in science, it is now possible to obtain vitamin K2 effectively through supplementation. The manipulation of menaquinone K2 in compounding pharmacies allows you to get the ideal dosage in an accessible way. The most common form of supplementation is menaquinone-7 (MK-7), which has good absorption in the body and long-lasting effects.
Recommended Dosage
The recommended daily dosage for adults looking to improve vascular health ranges from 90 mcg to 180 mcg of vitamin K2. The amount may vary depending on individual needs and medical recommendations, but it is generally enough to promote the activation of proteins responsible for healthy bone calcification and preventing arterial calcification.
How Vitamin K2 Helps Heart Health
Vitamin K2 regulates arterial calcification by directing calcium to the bones and teeth, where it is needed, and preventing it from accumulating in the arteries.
This aids in lowering the likelihood of heart-related conditions. Additionally, vitamin K2 has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which strengthen blood vessels, reduce blood pressure, and improve circulation.
Conclusion
Although modern feeding has altered the nutritional composition of animal-based foods, vitamin K2 supplementation provides a powerful and accessible solution for heart health. By including vitamin K2 in your routine, you are taking an important step to prevent and treat cardiovascular diseases naturally and effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is vitamin K2 and how does it affect cardiovascular health?
Vitamin K2 is an essential substance for the proper functioning of the cardiovascular system. It helps regulate the calcification of arteries, preventing calcium buildup on arterial walls, which can lead to cardiovascular diseases. - Why does the feeding of farm animals affect vitamin K2 levels in meats?
Animals fed green pastures rich in chlorophyll produce more vitamin K2, but with the shift to processed feed, this vitamin becomes less abundant in the meat and eggs. - How can I obtain vitamin K2 if I cannot convert it from chlorophyll?
You can obtain vitamin K2 from animal-based foods, such as meat and eggs from animals fed naturally, or through supplements like menaquinone-7 (MK-7), available at compounding pharmacies. - What is the recommended dosage of vitamin K2 to improve cardiovascular health?
The recommended dosage ranges from 90 mcg to 180 mcg per day, depending on individual needs. It is important to consult a healthcare provider to establish the correct dosage. - Is vitamin K2 supplementation safe for everyone?
Vitamin K2 supplementation is safe for most people, but it is always important to consult a doctor before starting any supplementation, especially for those with pre-existing medical conditions.
Learn more about vitamin K2 at juliocemar.com
Also read about cardiovascular health in Canada: cold weather and heart risks on ajustersavie