Optimize Vitamin K to Protect Against Arterial Plaque, Cancer and Aging

Friday, November 05, 2010 by: John Phillip
Tags: vitamin K, arterial plaque, health news

(NewsTarget) Few people realize the essential role that Vitamin K plays to prevent and reverse coronary artery calcification. This powerful nutrient has been shown to be the missing link in the development of a natural solution to keep calcium from depositing as deadly plaque in arterial walls. Further evidence exists to confirm the role of Vitamin K in promoting programmed cell death in cancer cells that have multiplied out of control. Most people ingest insufficient quantities of this critical vitamin from their diet to receive any therapeutic benefit. Fortunately Vitamin K intake can be corrected by adding leafy green vegetables to your diet and supplementing as necessary.

Calcium Transforms to Arterial Plaque
Calcium is an essential mineral that is used to fuel hundreds of biochemical processes in our body and it is critical to rebuild our bones and teeth. The problem with calcium arises when the mineral remains in our blood and isn`t properly laid down to form new bone. As a consequence of poor diet and increasing blood pressure, micro cracks develop on the inner lining of our coronary arteries. In an attempt to repair the damage, oxidized LDL cholesterol attracts circulating calcium and other debris, which become the deadly substance called plaque.

Vitamin K Controls Calcium, Reverses Coronary Plaque
Research has shown that Vitamin K escorts calcium out of the blood so it can be used to build bone and teeth. When insufficient Vitamin K is found to be circulating in the blood, calcium is picked up by soft tissue throughout the body. This is especially evident in the delicate endothelial lining of the arteries surrounding the heart. Tissue calcifies and normal function declines as cells begin to age at an accelerated rate. This eventually results in atherosclerosis and increased risk of a heart attack.

The result of a study published in the journal Atherosclerosis demonstrates that biologically active Vitamin K2 (menaquinone) can reverse the buildup of deadly plaque. The study concludes that K2 `is associated with reduced coronary calcification. Adequate menaquinone intakes could therefore be important to prevent cardiovascular disease.` The K2 form of the vitamin is found in fermented soy products such as natto. Many people will need to supplement to achieve optimal levels of the vitamin.

Vitamin K Destroys Cancer Cells
Researchers are actively reviewing evidence that suggests that Vitamin K2 can be a powerful ally in preventing and even treating certain cancer cell lines. K2 has been shown to cause leukemia cells to self destruct in a process known as apoptosis. This is a natural cellular function to disable cancer cells. Additional studies have shown similar inhibitory effects against myeloma and lymphoma cancer lines.

Vitamin K has also proven effective in lowering the risk from liver cancer. In a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, individuals at high risk for viral induced liver cancer were supplemented with Vitamin K2 and compared with a group that did not receive the nutrient. Less than 10% of the people receiving K2 developed liver cancer. 47% of those in the control group developed the devastating disease.

Vitamin K deficiency is rampant due to poor diet and insufficient knowledge about its many health benefits. Similar to Vitamin D, humans have evolved to utilize Vitamin K to prevent atherosclerosis and certain types of cancer. Research is beginning to uncover many essential benefits associated with this critical nutrient that we can use to control disease and slow the process of aging.

Article References:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18722618
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15265851
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18376138

About the author

John Phillip is a Health Researcher and Author who writes regularly on the cutting edge use of diet, lifestyle modifications and targeted supplementation to enhance and improve the quality and length of life. John is the author of 'Your Healthy Weight Loss Plan', a comprehensive EBook explaining how to use Diet, Exercise, Mind and Targeted Supplementation to achieve your weight loss goal. Visit My Optimal Health Resource to continue reading the latest health news updates, and to download your Free 48 page copy of 'Your Healthy Weight Loss Plan'.