The Health Benefits of Natto: Fighting Coagulation and Protecting Your Heart
Natto is a traditional Japanese food known for its unique and potent health benefits. Made from fermented soybeans, it has been consumed in Japan for thousands of years, praised for its ability to improve vascular health and overall well-being. In this article, we will explore how natto, specifically its active ingredient nattokinase, can help you enhance your health and reduce the risk of various health issues.
Understanding Natto and Nattokinase
Natto is a dish derived from whole soybeans that have been fermented with Bacillus subtilis var. natto. This process transforms the soybeans into a distinctive and versatile food that is rich in probiotics and other beneficial compounds. Natto is particularly celebrated for its content of nattokinase, an enzyme that plays a crucial role in blood vessel health and coagulation prevention.
What is Natto and How Does it Help Improve Your Health?
Natto is often served as a breakfast dish and is consumed with rice, mustard, and other sauces. It is renowned for its probiotic content, which boosts the gut microbiome and supports overall digestive health. Additionally, natto is rich in vitamin K2, a vital nutrient for bone strength, and offers potential benefits in fighting cancer and promoting brain health.
Nattokinase and its Effects on Blood Health
Nattokinase is a unique enzyme found in natto that is recognized for its powerful effects on blood coagulation. This enzyme can dissolve blood clots without leaving harmful substances behind, making it safe and effective. Nattokinase maintains a prolonged effect, lasting up to 8-12 hours, during which it continuously helps to clear clots and prevent vascular blockages. Research has shown that nattokinase significantly improves blood vessel structure, enhances blood flow, and reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks and strokes.
The Multiple Benefits of Natto
1. Enhanced Digestive Health
Natto is rich in probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that support a healthy gut microbiome. These probiotics are known to enhance digestion and alleviate digestive issues such as colitis and diarrhea. Studies have demonstrated that the probiotic Bacillus subtilis present in natto can treat and prevent inflammatory bowel diseases, promoting gut health.
2. Improved Bone Health
Vitamin K2, a key component of natto, plays a significant role in bone health. It supports bone formation and stiffness, thereby reducing the risk of osteoporosis. Studies on premenopausal and postmenopausal women have shown that natto consumption can enhance bone mineral density and protect against bone-related diseases.
3. Strengthened Immunity
The probiotics in natto, particularly Bacillus subtilis, can boost the immune system. Research has indicated that this probiotic strain can stimulate the immune system in elderly subjects and calves, promoting the function of macrophages, essential white blood cells in the immune response.
4. Heart Health
Natto’s probiotics help to lower cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart disease. Additionally, the nattokinase in natto can dissolve blood clots, preventing cardiovascular diseases. Nattokinase’s anti-coagulant, anti-atherosclerotic, and neuroprotective effects contribute to overall heart health. Moreover, natto’s vitamin K2 helps prevent calcium buildup in arteries, further protecting heart health.
5. Reduced Cancer Risk
Natto contains soy isoflavones and vitamin K2, nutrients that can lower the risk of certain cancers. Studies have shown that natto may have antioxidant and anticarcinogenic properties, particularly in preventing gastrointestinal, prostate, and breast cancers. It also benefits liver cancer prevention.
6. Potential for Weight Management
Probiotics in natto may assist in weight loss by regulating gut microbiota and improving energy metabolism. This effect could contribute to maintaining a healthy weight and enhancing metabolic processes.
7. Brain Health
Animal studies suggest that fermented soybean products like natto may have neuroprotective effects, positively impacting cognitive functioning. Enhancing gut microbiota through consuming natto can have a direct effect on brain health.
Overall, natto and its active compounds offer a wide range of health benefits, from promoting heart health to supporting brain function and reducing the risk of cancer. As more research emerges, natto is likely to be recognized even more for its numerous health advantages.