Health Benefits of Radicchio
Besides its bitter taste, Radicchio is a great source of vitamins, dietary fiber and minerals. It also provides phytonutrients and antioxidants. It is fat as well as cholesterol free and also have low amount of calories. It is an excellent source of potassium, selenium, calcium, Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, folate and Vitamin B. It maintains the cholesterol as well as blood pressure levels along with improving concentration.
Heart ailments
Vitamin K helps to prevent arteries calcification which is one of the major causes for heart attacks. It carries calcium out of arteries and does not allow forming into harmful and hard deposits of plaque. It prevents the hardening of arteries.
Vitamin K helps to reduce inflammation and prevents the cells which line the blood vessels such as arteries and veins. Vitamin K helps to maintain the blood pressure and reduces the risk of having cardiac arrest.
Healthy bones
Vitamin K increases the protein content which is needed to maintain the calcium in bones that lowers the chances of osteoporosis. The body requires Vitamin K for using calcium to form bones. The evidence shows that Vitamin K reduces the chances of bone fractures by enhancing the bone health. The high intake of Vitamin K2 reduces the chances of hip fracture by 65%.
The evidence shows that Vitamin D and Vitamin K works together in order to enhance the density of bones. Vitamin K has the positive effect on the balance of calcium which is required for the metabolism of bones. The intake of foods rich in Vitamin K by the injured patients helps to heal the broken bones and prevent twisted ankles.
Brain health
Vitamin K is essential for the brain health. It involves in the sphingolipid metabolism which are the molecules widely found in the cell membranes of brain.
A study found that vitamin K dependent proteins are particularly important for the brain. Vitamin K involves in the nervous system by involving in sphingolipid metabolism, which is a class of molecules that occurs naturally and is present in the brain cell membranes.
The evidence shows that Vitamin K has anti-inflammatory properties which prevent the brain from oxidative stress caused due to damage made by free radicals. Oxidative stress may lead to the development of Alzheimer’s, cancer, Parkinson’s as well as heart failure.
Thyroid function
Copper is required for the proper function of thyroids as it works with potassium, zinc and calcium which help to balance the thyroid activities and prevents hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. Due to the complex relationship of the trace minerals, the rise in one should be balanced by other. Due to the excessive presence or deficiency of these minerals, the thyroid takes place. It leads to weight loss or gain, fatigue, chance in appetite or body temperature.