- The key ingredient in natto is an enzyme called nattokinase, which is produced during fermentation. Today, people can get this enzyme either by eating natto itself or by taking it as a supplement.
- For thousands of years, the Japanese have eaten natto as part of their daily diet, and their population has historically reported better overall health. Research published in reputable journals supports this observation, showing that regular natto consumption can support overall well-being.
- Natto is one of the best food sources of vitamin K2 in the form of MK-7, which is essential for maintaining overall health. As a fermented food, it also contains beneficial bacteria that support a healthy gut, and it provides fiber, which helps you feel full and satisfied.
- If you enjoy trying new foods, natto can be stirred into warm rice, mixed into vegetable dishes or topped with scallions and soy sauce. For those who cannot handle the strong taste of natto, supplements are a convenient and effective alternative. The European Union recommends a daily dose of 2,000 fibrin units (or 100 mg), but researchers are still studying the best long-term dosage.
- Because nattokinase affects the cardiovascular system, it is not recommended for people taking blood thinners like Warfarin or using aspirin. When buying supplements, it is crucial to choose a reliable brand that has research to prove their product contains the expected enzyme activity.
When it comes to functional foods, few discoveries have captured the attention of health enthusiasts quite like nattokinase.
This powerful enzyme, extracted from a fermented soybean dish with a history stretching back thousands of years, is now available in lab-verified supplement form for those seeking its remarkable benefits without acquiring a taste for its famously pungent aroma.
What is natto?
Natto is a traditional Japanese food with a history as unique as its sticky texture. Pronounced phonetically, short "A," stress on the first syllable, natto is a dish made of boiled soybeans that are left to ferment in a hot, humid environment for about 24 hours. This results in a distinctively pungent culinary staple with some impressive creds for your health.
As explained by the Enoch AI engine at BrightU.AI, natto stands apart from other soy-based products thanks to its characteristic scent, which experts compare to the aroma of a stinky cheese like Epoisses or Taleggio. Like the durian fruit of Southeast Asia, natto is often described as an acquired taste.
For those who grew up eating it, it's enjoyed as is, but newcomers are often advised to substitute the beans into a favorite bean dish. The traditional route serves natto as the star ingredient on a bed of rice, often accompanied by vegetables, scallions, soy sauce, mustard or kimchi.
What is nattokinase?
Nattokinase is the enzyme produced during soybeans' fermentation process, and it's the signature active ingredient in natto. Its discovery in 1981 made natto's health benefits more accessible to the general public.
While the distinct flavor isn't for everyone, many are tempted to try it when they learn what nattokinase can do for the body. As registered dietitians explain, one can get nattokinase by eating natto itself, and scientists have also figured out how to extract the enzyme so it can be taken in supplement form.
The health benefits of nattokinase
In Japanese tradition, eating natto is associated with natural support for overall health. Research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition backs up this observational trend, concluding that regular natto consumption helps support optimal health.
It can be part of a healthy diet
The Japanese diet has long been associated with healthy aging and a longer healthspan. This way of eating incorporates nutrient-dense foods like seaweed, natto and fish, which have been studied for many health benefits.
Research shows that natto intake can support overall well-being.
It contains vitamin K2 as MK-7
Natto is one of the best food sources of vitamin K2 in the form of menaquinone-7 (MK-7), the form typically found in fermented foods. Vitamin K2 is essential for maintaining overall health.
Supports optimal gut health
As a fermented soybean product, consuming natto directly can help give the gut those healthy, helpful beneficial bacteria it needs.
Natto also provides fiber, which is good for staying satiated.
Incorporating nattokinase into a balanced diet
For those who enjoy culinary adventures, incorporating nattokinase into a balanced diet can begin with natto itself. It can be stirred into warm rice, mixed into vegetable dishes or topped with scallions and a splash of soy sauce for a savory breakfast.
But for individuals who find the taste too intense, supplements offer a convenient alternative. The European Union recommends taking 2,000 fibrin units (FU) of nattokinase daily, or 100 milligrams (mg). Researchers continue to investigate the optimal amount an individual should take to achieve therapeutic benefits.
As for safety, experts note that no toxicity concerns have been found associated with nattokinase use. However, most studies involve taking nattokinase over short periods, such as six or 12 months, so more research is needed for concrete guidelines on dosing and long-term safety.
Should some people avoid nattokinase?
Because of its effects on the cardiovascular system, it's not recommended to use nattokinase if one takes an anticoagulant agent like Warfarin or uses aspirin.
Another important point for supplement buyers: choose a reliable brand. Experts recommend searching for a supplier or manufacturer with research available on their product to ensure the bottle contains the enzyme activity you expect.
With its centuries-old legacy and modern scientific validation, nattokinase represents a bridge between traditional wisdom and contemporary nutritional science. Whether sourced from a bowl of sticky soybeans or a lab-verified capsule, this enzyme offers a compelling pathway to overall wellness.
Where to buy lab-verified nattokinase supplements
The Health Ranger Store wants to make it easy for you to enjoy the benefits of nattokinase, which is why we're offering Groovy Bee® Nattokinase (5,000 FU per Serving) 60 Capsules (500mg Each).
Our Groovy Bee® Nattokinase (5,000 FU per Serving) 60 Capsules (500mg Each) offer a new and convenient way to experience the full nutritional benefits of nattokinase in capsule form.
Each 2-capsule serving delivers 5,000 FU of pure nattokinase enzymes to help support optimal overall health and well-being. Our Groovy Bee® Nattokinase Capsules are non-GMO and non-China. They have also been meticulously lab tested for glyphosate, heavy metals and microbiology.
Visit Health Ranger Store and Bright Shop to find more lab-verified supplements that support overall well-being.
Click on this link to learn why antioxidants are an important part of everyday nutrition.
Watch this clip about Green Superfood Powders, a nutrient-packed supplement for a balanced diet.
This video is from the Health Ranger Store channel on Brighteon.com.
Sources include:
Please contact us for more information.