This is why eating too many brussels sprouts can put your health at risk

Sprouts are rich in vitamin K (Photo: Shutterstock)Sprouts are rich in vitamin K (Photo: Shutterstock)
Sprouts are rich in vitamin K (Photo: Shutterstock)

Brussels sprouts tend to make an appearance on the Christmas dinner table, with some loving the green vegetable and others loathing it.

But eating too many of them can actually pose a risk to your health.

Vitamin K

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Brussels sprouts contain vitamin K, which is a chemical the body uses to promote blood clotting.

According to the NHS, adults need approximately 1mcg a day of vitamin K for each kilogram of their body weight.

Someone who weighs 65kg would need 65mcg a day of vitamin K, while a person who weighs 75kg would need 75mcg a day.

Counteracts the effectiveness of blood thinning medication

However, vitamin K counteracts the effects of anticoagulants (blood thinning medication), which some people may need to prevent the occurence of blood clots.

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Mayo Clinic advise that those taking the blood-thinning medication Warfarin should carefully monitor their daily vitamin K intake.

Vitamin K can counteract the effects of anticoagulants (Photo: Shutterstock)

Their website explains that “Warfarin is a blood-thinning medication that helps treat and prevent blood clots.

“However, certain foods and beverages can make warfarin less effective in preventing blood clots. It's important to pay attention to what you eat while taking warfarin.

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“One nutrient that can lessen warfarin's effectiveness is vitamin K. It's important to be consistent in how much vitamin K you get daily."

Foods rich in vitamin K

KaleSpinachBrussels sproutsCollardsMustard greensChardBroccoliAsparagusGreen tea

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