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
Vitamin K Controls Calcium, Reverses Coronary Plaque
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 theore 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 that cancer cells can disable so they can grow unimpeded. 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.
The Institute of Medicine currently recommends 1,200 milligrams of calcium for adults age 50 and older, and the 2005 dietary guidelines for Americans recommend 3 cups per day of low-fat or fat-free dairy products. In the study, the decrease in risk for women was with intake of up to 1,300 mgs per day, after which no further risk reduction was observed. In both men and women, dairy food and calcium intakes were inversely associated with cancers of the GI and one-fifth of men who consumed the most calcium through food and supplements (about 1,530 mg per day) had a 16 percent lower risk of these types of cancer than the one-fifth who consumed the least (526 mg per day). For women, those in the top one-fifth of calcium consumption (1,881 mg per day) had a 23 percent lower risk than those in the bottom one-fifth (494 mg per day) with a most pronounced decrease for colorectal cancer. So what is it about dairy that is so protective against cancer?
