Does Malabar spinach contain vitamin K1?
Jun 10, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yu Yongchao
Introduction
Vitamin K1 is a fat-soluble vitamin primarily found in the chloroplasts of green plants. Malabar spinach, as a leafy green vegetable, contains a certain amount of vitamin K1 in both its leaves and stems. Although its content is not as high as in dark green vegetables such as spinach and kale, consuming Malabar spinach after regular cooking can still provide the body with a small amount of this nutrient, meeting part of the physiological needs.
Under normal circumstances, Malabar spinach contains vitamin K1. The details are as follows:
Vitamin K1 is a fat-soluble vitamin primarily found in the chloroplasts of green plants. As a leafy green vegetable, Malabar spinach contains a certain amount of vitamin K1 in both its leaves and stems. Although its content is not as high as in dark green vegetables such as spinach and kale, regular consumption after cooking can still provide a small amount of this nutrient, meeting part of the body's physiological needs.
The vitamin K1 content in Malabar spinach can be retained to varying degrees depending on the cooking method. Quick sautéing or stir-frying with high heat for a short duration can help minimize nutrient loss, whereas prolonged boiling or water-based cooking may cause some vitamin K1 to be lost along with fats or water. Additionally, the absorption of vitamin K1 requires the presence of fat; therefore, cooking with a small amount of edible oil enhances its uptake and utilization by the body.
When consuming Malabar spinach, more vitamin K1 can be retained through appropriate cooking methods, such as quick stir-frying or cooking with an adequate amount of oil. However, it is also important to control the quantity consumed to avoid excessive intake of a single vegetable.
