7 Household Foods That Contain the Vital Vitamin K2
We all know the importance of Vitamin A and
Vitamin C, found in numerous foods and even in sunlight, in the case of
the latter. However, one of the more underappreciated vitamins that our
bodies need to be healthy and fully functional is Vitamin K2. It works
alongside calcium to provide protection against tooth decay and
strengthen our bones. It can also help us fight cancer and heart
disease. Are you wondering "Where can I get Vitamin K2?" Well, the
answer is pretty positive as you can find it present in numerous common
dairy and meat products like these listed below.
1. Egg Yolk
The current practice for anyone looking to
fix their cholesterol levels or lose some weight is to toss aside the
yolk and eat only egg whites. Unfortunately, each time you throw away an
egg yolk, you're throwing away anywhere between 70 to 190 micrograms of
Vitamin K2. The exact content of this vitamin in each yolk differs
based on what the hens each, some of whom are fed vitamin k supplemented
bird feed. Hens fed soy or corn usually lay vitamin K deficient eggs.
2. Butter
It is a known fact that everything is
better with butter, and that includes Vitamin K2 content. Of course,
butter must be had in small quantities in order to stay healthy and
avoid gaining weight. The good news is all you need is just 1 tablespoon
of butter to take in 2.1 micrograms. So you can up your intake of
Vitamin K2 every morning with a quick breakfast of buttered toast.
3. Sausages
3. Sausages
There are a wide variety of meats in the
form of sausages that will give you a good dose of Vitamin K2, so you
can feel somewhat healthy even when enjoying a barbecue or a hot dog.
There are 20 micrograms of Vitamin K2 in every 100 grams of Kielbasa, 22
micrograms in pork sausage, 28 micrograms in salami, and 41 micrograms
in pepperoni. These sausages are a combination of meats, and fatty cuts
of meat tend to be the most nutritious.
4. Sauerkraut
Anyone who enjoys classic New York style
hot dogs with all the fixings will be familiar with this pickled
additive. It is simply a sour fermented cabbage that adds a distinct and
delicious taste to any dish. The process of fermentation itself offers
numerous immunity-boosting benefits. In addition to that, each half-cup
of sauerkraut contains 2.75 micrograms of Vitamin K2, which means you
can take in a little bit of this vital vitamin with every hot dog.
5. Cream
Fermented dairy products, in general, come
with numerous health benefits, partly because of the fermentation
process like sauerkraut, but also because they are excellent sources of
Vitamin K2. 100 grams of sour cream which is not only delicious but also
smooth and refreshing, contains 6 micrograms of K2. Cream cheese
contains 8.7 micrograms for every 100 grams and heavy cream contains 8
grams. So be a little generous with the cream cheese on your next bagel.
6. Chicken with the skin
Poultry is a great source of protein and
nutrients, and it comes in many different cuts that let you enjoy the
parts you like. Each cut of chicken has its own Vitamin K2 content. If
you're a fan of chicken wings (with the skin), then every 100 grams will
give you 25 micrograms of K2. Enjoying some baked chicken thighs for
dinner? Then you'll get a whopping 24 micrograms with every 100 grams.
The same amount of chicken drumstick contains 35 micrograms.
7. Cheese
Excessive amounts of cheese can be
detrimental to weight loss attempts and overall health. But small
amounts enjoyed in measured doses, sprinkled over your pasta or put in a
sandwich can give you a good dose of protein, vitamin A, calcium, and
of course, vitamin K2.
The exact content will vary depending on the type of cheese you prefer.
100 grams of cheddar cheese contains 24 micrograms of K2. The same
amount of Gouda, Edam, and Camembert cheese holds about 65-70 micrograms
of K2. The highest content of approximately 100 micrograms belongs to
Munster cheese.