Researchers have found a connection between eating leafy green vegetables and improved lung health. Spinach, kale, and broccoli contain vitamin K1, essential for the body’s blood-clotting processes. Vitamin K2, present in fermented foods, dairy, eggs, and meat, helps regulate calcium and supports bone health.
Scientists at Edith Cowan University in Australia studied the impact of vitamin K1 and K2 on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and lung function. Their research, published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, emphasized the prevalence of chronic respiratory diseases, which are among the top noncommunicable diseases globally, causing 4 million deaths and affecting over 454 million people in 2019.
“Although asthma and COPD can be managed with treatments, neither is curable, highlighting the need for effective prevention strategies.”
The Mayo Clinic identifies smoking as the leading cause of COPD, with dust, chemicals, and pollution also contributing. Edith Cowan University’s study assessed data from 179,062 participants over 10 years, showing that higher dietary vitamin K1 intake was linked to better lung function and a reduced rate of COPD.
Participants with the highest vitamin K1 intake had a 16% lower chance of developing COPD. This effect was more noticeable in smokers and individuals in high-risk jobs. However, vitamin K2 intake did not correlate with reduced COPD rates. Moreover, there was no link found between vitamin K1 or K2 intake and asthma.
Associate Professor Marc Sim suggested that vitamin K might activate a protein that helps maintain lung tissue flexibility, potentially preventing damage. The study remains observational, indicating an association rather than direct causation between vitamin K1 and reduced COPD risk. Chengfeng Li, a researcher in the study, described adding a serving of leafy greens as an attainable way to increase vitamin K1 intake.
Other rich sources of vitamin K1 include collard greens, Swiss chard, Brussels sprouts, and turnip greens.
Teresa Mull is a freelance writer with the Lifestyle team at Fox News Digital.