People who get vitamin K from food may have a lower risk of developing type 2 Diabetes. Both vitamins K1 and K2 were related to a lower Diabetes risk, but the relationship was stronger with vitamin K2, which people get mainly from meat, cheese and eggs. Vitamin K is well known for the important role it plays in blood clotting but it also helps fight cancer, improve bone density, prevent heart disease, stave off varicose veins and lower your risk of Diabetes. K1 is found in dark green leafy vegetables and makes up about 90% of the vitamin K in a typical Western diet, eg. collard greens, spinach, salad greens, kale, broccoli and Brussel sprouts. The best natural source of vitamin K2 is derived from an ancient Japanese food called Natto which is made from fermented soybeans.
Sources: Reuters May 27, 2010; Diabetes Care April 27, 2010.
