The Japanese are known for longevity and good health. It has been shown that in some regions of Japan, the population does not suffer from osteoporosis and heart disease at all. The reason is the use of a traditional “nato” breakfast that is rich in vitamin K2 (menaquinone). The probability of bone fractures (due to osteoporosis) is reduced by 80% by regular addition of vitamin K2 to the diet. The risk of artery calcification and heart and blood circulation diseases is significantly reduced. Vitamin K2 is an irreplaceable regulator of the “movement” of calcium in the body. The vitamin is directed to the bone and tooth tissue (after absorption in the intestines). It does not allow the deposition of calcium in blood vessels. The effect of vitamin K2 with vitamin D3 is so positive that doctors in Japan recommend it to all patients with osteoporosis and for the prevention of this disease.
The beneficial properties of menaquinone reduce the risk of diabetes, slow down aging and protect the body from prostate cancer. The minimum daily dose of vitamin K2 is 65 mkg. There are two sources of vitamin K2. This vitamin is synthesized in small amounts in the healthy gut micro-flora. The production of this vitamin is interrupted during the use of antibiotics and intestinal problems. Another source of vitamin K2 are certain foods that are prepared by fermentation: sauerkraut (in 100 g of sauerkraut is 4.8 mkg of vitamin K2), hard cheeses (76.3 mkg in 100 grams of hard cheese), egg yolks (20 mkg in 100 grams) and chicken breast (27.5 mkg in 100 grams of chicken breast). It is necessary to take additional vitamin K2 if the diet is poorly balanced.